A Flexible, Faithful Approach
Legacy Sunday doesn't have to follow a one-size-fits-all script. Whether your event includes a full-service celebration or a simple coffee-hour conversation, it can serve as a powerful seed-planting moment. Churches with limited capacity are encouraged to begin with what feels manageable and build from there — identifying just one or two trusted individuals to help can be enough to get started and sustain the effort over time.
Remember: Small is just fine. A modest event can still have a lasting impact.
There are five core elements you can mix and match as you plan your event:
Worship Integration: Incorporate legacy themes into prayers, readings, and sermons. Recognize those who have made planned gifts (with their permission). Use a special collect or stewardship-focused litany.
Testimonial or Speaker: Invite a parishioner to share why they've chosen to include the church in their estate plans. Keep it short (3–5 minutes) and heartfelt. Testimonials help normalize planned giving and make it more relatable.
Forum, Luncheon, or Program: Host an adult forum, coffee hour, or luncheon to go deeper. Share legacy giving information or offer a short presentation. Consider pairing with a speaker, panel, or video resource.
Communication & Visibility: Use your bulletin, newsletter, email, and/or website to build awareness in the weeks leading up to and following the event. Consider creating a special bulletin insert or invitation.
Follow-Up & Pastoral Invitation: Collect contact info for those who express interest. Offer gentle follow-up conversations in the weeks after. Share resources on how to make a legacy gift. Keep the tone relational, not transactional — legacy giving is part of a spiritual journey.
Worship as the Heart of Legacy Sunday
Worship is the heart of congregational life, and Legacy Sunday offers a natural opportunity to highlight themes of faith, gratitude, and lasting impact through liturgy.
Legacy Sunday is not a time to make a fundraising appeal. Instead, the homily or sermon might explore:
- The power of long-term generosity to shape the church's future
- How legacy giving reflects our hope in resurrection and enduring mission
- What it means to plant seeds we may not live to see grow
- A reflection on gratitude for those who came before us
A personal story — your own or someone else's — can be a powerful way to make legacy giving real and faithful, not transactional.
When to Plan
Legacy Sunday works best when it aligns with your congregation's rhythm and calendar. Common timing choices include All Saints' Sunday, a patronal feast, or stewardship season. As a general guide:
- 3–4 months out: Get buy-in from clergy and lay leaders, set a date, and recruit a small volunteer team.
- 6–8 weeks out: Finalize your format, confirm liturgical elements, and begin drafting communications.
- 2–4 weeks out: Promote the event in your bulletin, newsletter, and Sunday announcements.
- After the event: Follow up gently with anyone who expressed interest and debrief with your team.
Ready to Plan Your Legacy Sunday?
The Legacy Sunday Planning Guide is a comprehensive resource for clergy, vestry members, and other lay leaders. It includes worship planning tools and suggested scripture, ready-to-use communication templates, sample program agendas, and guidance on post-event follow-up.
Click to View the Legacy Sunday Planning Guide
If you have questions, please contact the ECF Endowment Management team at [email protected].