ESTATE PLANNING & TRUST SERVICES

A reflection by Robert Van Dorn, a University Church member and also the Trust Officer for the Upper Columbia Conference

There might be a thousand reasons to put off estate planning.

Most Americans don’t have a will. When Lana and I first got married, we didn’t see any reason to be different. We didn’t have a lot of “stuff” and we didn’t have any kids.

As life progressed, the whole topic became worrisome. When we started having kids, we thought, “who would be the best guardians for them if we were gone?” “What’s the difference between a living will and an advance directive?” The questions made us anxious, but so did our procrastination. It seemed like answers would be expensive to find. No wonder Solomon “hated” some of this stuff (Eccl. 2:18)! Maybe you’ve got questions like Lana and I did or perhaps you’ve got more “stuff” than you and your family need and you’re wondering, "Now what?"

It turns out that our very own Upper Columbia Conference has a service designed to help. “Trust Services and Estate Planning” has been available to every church member in some form for almost 120 years (vist uccsda.org and select, "Trust Services" from the "Sharing" drop-down menu). Our estate planning team has a unique, confidential ministry. We are a combination of pastors, accountants, attorneys, and friendly assistants who go through many hours of specialized training and have outside auditors routinely review our files. Just like your pastors, we want you to be joyful, not anxious. Unlike most lawyers, we don’t send bills. Perhaps you also have a passion to continue to help share the Gospel in this part of the Northwest and through your local congregation after you’re gone. If so, then we can also help you plan that process and work through independent attorneys to put it all down on paper.

We believe that it is important to look to the future with hope but also take prudent action in the present. As Christians, we want to be happy about our work and our choices as the years go by, especially choices about money. And living wisely today requires a will in every case. Wills are sometimes called “Testaments,” and for a good reason. In addition to their technical effects, they can stand as a testament about God's sovereignty and love that leads us today into the future.

-Robert Van Dorn, University Church member and Attorney and Trust Officer, Upper Columbia Conference RobertV@uccsda.org or 509-242-0481

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Membership Transfers (second reading):
(IN): Brittni Bryan, From Friday Harbor, WA
Beverly Camp, From Forest Lake, Apopka, FL
James and Beverly Foster, From Hillsboro, OR
Heather Harrison, From College Drive, Pearl, MS
Tom and Sue Smith, From El Centro, CA

(AWAY): Norma Flores, To Keene, TX
Benjamin and Maria King, To CP Village,
Curtis Lund, To Stateline, Milton Freewater, OR

The University Church staff would like to inform you that the Children’s Wing is now under video surveillance. They thank the safety team’s ongoing effort to promote safety at our church. Thank you for your support!

An all-church potluck is planned for Sabbath, April 14, at 1:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited!

Would you like to connect with others? Lead or be a part of a small group this Spring quarter (April/May). Groups are activity-based or discussion-based and run for about an hour over a three to six-week period. If you’re interested in leading, contact Alareece Collie at alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu for more information.

SonBridge Thrift & Gift Store is recruiting volunteers to sort donated goods, help haul items, or maintain the facility. If interested, please call 509.529.3100.

Come help celebrate Walt Meske’s 90th birthday on Sunday, April 8 from 9am-11am in the Alumni Center. No gifts, but donations to Christian Aid Center in his name are appreciated.

The Christian Aid Center is pleased to celebrate the completion of their Gift of Grace campaign. THANK YOU to all who had a part in raising $4.85 million to build a new shelter for homeless women and children. The new building promises them a chance to be safe, to experience dignity, to live in a caring community, and to find restoration and hope. The project is currently under construction and slated to open its doors in June 2018.

Denominational Retired Workers’ Potluck Sunday, April 8, 5:00 pm, Fellowship Hall, Village Church. Get better acquainted with fellow retirees sharing what you did, where and how long.

The College Place Spanish SDA Church invites you to join in an All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet to raise funds for their building project. The Brunch Buffet will take place at  the Village Youth Center (36 SW 8th St College Place) on April 8, 2018, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The cost for the ticket is $10 (for ages 10+), $5 (for ages 4-9) and free for 3 and under. Purchase tickets by calling at 509-525-9523 or 509-301-2956. Music provided by Rogers Adventist School Handbell choir and String Orchestra.

WWU Homecoming Weekend! Alumni and friends of WWU are invited to Homecoming Weekend, April 26-29. We’ve planned more than 50 events especially for you, including a banquet celebrating our core theme of generosity in service, educational seminars, a special PRISM concert, a Bowers Hall open house, and an Alleluias and Meditations concert Sabbath evening. A full list of events and registration information is available at wallawalla.edu/homecoming or by calling (800) 377-2586.

The Christian Aid Center is currently in need of childcare volunteers on Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00.  Please contact Jeannette Regalado, Volunteer & Donor Relations at 525-7153 ext. 114 for more information.

Employment Opportunity: Rogers Adventist School is hiring a part time 7th/8th grade teacher for the 18-19 school year. SDA certification required (or will be completed by the beginning of the school year), state certification preferred. Applicant should be skilled in teaching algebra, language arts, and Bible. Interested applicants should submit a resume with references and a cover letter to Holley Bryant at holley.bryant@rschool.org.

The 50+ Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 5pm at the Youth Center, 8th and Bade in College Place. Come and enjoy good food, fellowship, and a musical program presented by Jan Roberts. And of course, bring a friend!

Milton-Stateline Adventist School invites you to a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 15th 8-10 am. By donation. Please note: we have moved the date from April 8th to April 15th.  This is the last pancake breakfast of the year. You will not want to miss all the yummy food choices!

Milton-Stateline Adventist School is accepting applications for 4 part time positions to start for the 2018-2019 school year. The positions are librarian, music teacher, Special Education aide, and 5th/6th Science/Social Studies teacher. Two or more positions may be combined for one employee. Call 541-938-7131 or email info@miltonstateline.org

Digging Deeper Retreat -- May 18-20 at Camp Mivoden. We invite you to a spiritual retreat for young adults and young families (ages 20s-40s). Whether single, married, with or without kids, all in the 20s-40s age range are invited to come together for a weekend of connecting in friendship and digging into the Word. Ty Gibson, our keynote speaker, will be unpacking our theme “Digging Deeper into God’s Heart”. Children's program for ages 4-10yr, childcare for ages 18mos-3yr, and mother’s room for infants are provided at the retreat. For more information visit www.DiggingDeeperRetreat.com.

Discovery Preschool is now enrolling children 3-5 years of age. It is the goal of our staff to work closely together with each family to provide a solid foundation for intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth of the child. Children are encouraged to explore their world through self-expression in a natural, playful, social environment. Contact information: stacy.maxted@wallawalla.edu or 509.527.2252. Visit: wallawalla.edu/preschool