By Steve Case
I’ve been a member of Christ Church Cranbrook for about four years now, and from the very beginning, I felt something here that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else. This church welcomed me—fully, warmly, without hesitation. An inclusive, open‑hearted community isn’t just something CCC talks about; it’s something you feel the moment you walk through the doors.
That welcome changed me. And when I saw a notice in the bulletin about leaving a legacy gift, it was an easy decision: I want this church to be here for the next person who needs that same sense of belonging.
What’s more, doing so was a lot easier than I thought!
Recently, I opened a CD at Vibe Credit Union and named Christ Church Cranbrook as the beneficiary. It didn’t require a lawyer, a complicated estate plan, or anything fancy—just a beneficiary form. Knowing that this gift will one day support the church that has supported me feels deeply meaningful.
I also learned something helpful along the way: If you have an IRA and are required to take annual withdrawals once you reach age 70½, you can have those withdrawals sent directly to the church each year. When you do that, the amount isn’t taxable to you. It’s a simple way to support CCC while also reducing your tax burden.
If you’re considering something similar, I can tell you from experience: it’s easier than you think, and it feels good to know you’re helping keep the doors open for the next person who needs this place as much as I did.
For more information about getting started with a planned gift at Christ Church Cranbrook, contact Rev. Chris Harris at charris@christchurchcranbrook.org