AFC and Diocese of Ontario Partner on Legacy Giving Workshop in Kemptville
The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC), in partnership with the Diocese of Ontario, was pleased to host a Legacy Giving Workshop at St. James Anglican Church in Kemptville on Saturday, April 25.
The workshop brought together parish leaders to explore how legacy giving can help honour the faithfulness of past generations while strengthening the future ministry of the church for generations to come.
As St. James prepares for its upcoming 200th anniversary, the timing of the conversation was especially meaningful. Participants reflected on the parish’s rich history, considered the impact of gifts from previous generations, and discussed how a well-organized legacy giving initiative could become part of the bicentennial story while continuing far beyond the anniversary year.
The session was also significant for AFC as part of a broader effort to expand the practical resources available to churches across Canada.
“This workshop was part of a pilot initiative, helping us to listen, learn, and refine practical resources that can support parishes across Canada,” said Michelle Hauser, Development and Communications Officer for the Anglican Foundation of Canada.
A particularly memorable moment came during the parish walkabout and legacy discovery exercise. Directly above the meeting table was the Memorial Endowment Board, inscribed: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Thomas and Helen Langstaff and Albert and Edith Langstaff. It was a visible reminder that legacy gifts have long shaped the life of St. James. As the workshop began, participants were gathered beneath a lasting act of generosity that has helped sustain ministry for decades—an immediate and powerful illustration that legacy giving is not a new idea, but part of the parish’s living story.
Discussions focused on the long-term nature of legacy giving, emphasizing that it is not a one-time campaign but an ongoing ministry of invitation, stewardship, and vision. Participants also explored how storytelling, clear communication, and faithful planning can help build a culture of generosity for the future.
Insights from the Kemptville workshop will continue to advance AFC’s strategic initiatives around legacy giving and build on resources such as the Parish Legacy Toolkit and the Foundation’s Grow Your Legacy brochure.
AFC extends sincere thanks to the leadership of St. James Anglican Church for their warm welcome and thoughtful engagement, and to the Diocese of Ontario for its valued partnership in this important work.
Parishes interested in receiving copies of the Grow Your Legacy brochure or other complimentary AFC resources can visit:
https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/promotion/
Due to the Canada Post strike, we will be sending tax receipts by email (in PDF format). Where we do not currently have email addresses for donors, we will be reaching out by phone to obtain one.