June 2024 Newsletter

It Costs Too Much


Dear Beloved Members, Pastors, and Supporters:


In a conversation with a recent widow, I was informed of how much needs to be handled, and how difficult losing a spouse can be. She said, “I wish that someone would have told me all of the things that I would have to deal with.” So this is my attempt to give voice to that request.


The loss of a loved one is never easy. Even if you think you have “prepared” yourself, death is not easy. Losing a spouse is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and amidst

the grief, managing the legal and administrative tasks can be daunting. To

help navigate this challenging time, here is a guide to the essential

documents you will need to gather and manage:


1. Death Certificate

The death certificate is the most critical document. You will need multiple

certified copies to handle various legal and financial affairs. Obtain these

from the funeral home or the vital records office in your state.


2. Will and Testament

If your spouse left a will, it outlines their wishes for the distribution of their

assets. The executor named in the will needs this document to start the

probate process. If there is no will, the estate will be handled according to

state intestacy laws.


3. Marriage Certificate

This document proves your marriage and is necessary for claiming life

insurance, social security benefits, and accessing joint accounts or assets.


4. Financial Statements

Gather recent bank statements, investment account summaries, retirement accounts, and any other financial documents. This helps in identifying assets and liabilities.


5. Insurance Policies

Locate life insurance policies to file claims. You may also need health,

auto, and homeowner's insurance policies to update or cancel coverage.


6. Social Security Information

Contact the Social Security Administration to notify them of the death and

to inquire about survivor benefits. You will need your spouse’s Social

Security number and your marriage certificate.


7. Identification Documents

Collect your spouse's driver’s license, passport, and any other forms of

identification. These are often required for various administrative

processes.


8. Property Deeds and Titles

Gather documents related to real estate, vehicles, and other significant

property. These documents will be necessary to transfer ownership or

update records.


9. Credit Card and Loan Statements

Identify all debts, including credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans.

This information is essential for managing and settling the estate.

10. Employment and Pension Information If your spouse was employed, contact their employer for information on final paychecks, benefits, and any company-sponsored life insurance. Pension plans and 401(k) accounts may also have survivor benefits.


11. Tax Returns

Recent tax returns are crucial for understanding your financial situation

and will be needed when filing final taxes for your spouse.


12. Utilities and Subscriptions

Compile a list of utility accounts and subscription services that need to be

updated or canceled. This includes electricity, water, internet, phone

services, and memberships.


Final Step


Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring an attorney who specializes in

estate planning and probate to guide you through the legalities. A financial

advisor can also help in managing investments and planning for the future.


Notify Relevant Parties: Inform creditors, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies of the death to prevent fraud and ensure a smooth transition of assets.


Organize and Store Documents: Keep all documents organized and stored in a secure location. Make digital copies if possible for added security.



While dealing with these tasks, remember to take care of your emotional

and spiritual well-being. Lean on friends, family, and support groups to

help you through this difficult period. Managing the practical aspects of a

spouse’s death can be challenging, but being organized and knowing

which documents to gather can ease the process significantly. Remember

that even when you walk through the valley and the shadow of death, you

do not have to fear any evil. For He will be with you; His rod, and His staff

will comfort you.

 

By His Grace Alone,

Richard Taylor, Director; Corpus Christi Baptist Church Association

Rtaylor@ccbaptistassociation.org

Send Network Breakfast


Some of our participants from the Send Network breakfast this morning are gaining valuable insights on how to reach more people and expand the Kingdom for Christ, guided by the wisdom of Julio Arriola, Send Network Texas.

Senior Adult Game Days


Are you a senior adult looking for a fun and engaging way to spend your afternoons? Do you enjoy meeting new people and stimulating conversation? If so, we have the perfect invitation for you!


We are thrilled to invite all senior adults in our community to join us for our weekly Game Days on Thursdays. Our rowdy bunch meets at 9:30 AM in our recreation center. These sessions are designed to provide a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where you can reconnect with old friends or make new ones, all while enjoying playing Mexican Train, 42, SkipBo and more.


All seniors are encouraged to come! Join us and bring a friend or two who needs some fun and laughter!


First Baptist Church Recreation Center

3115 Ocean Drive

Corpus Christi, TX 78404

Free Bible Study Videos & Resources


Dear Pastors,

 

I’m excited to share that our organization has unlimited access to RightNow Media—the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources (it’s been called the “Netflix of video Bible studies”). This extensive library has more than 20,000 videos from leaders like Francis Chan, Jennie Allen, Matt Chandler, Dr. Tony Evans, and many more. These Bible study videos can be used as part of a group study or for personal devotions, and many series include free discussion guides and handouts.

 

The CCBA believes that RightNow Media is a tool that can help you live out your faith in every area of your life—at home, at work, and in your community. In addition to series on books of the Bible, RightNow Media has videos for everyone in your family on a variety of topics like marriage, parenting, personal finances, mental health, and more. There’s even a library just for kids with over 2,000 safe, entertaining videos. RightNow Media has a free app that’s available on all major streaming devices so you and your family can access content anywhere, anytime.

 

To get started, simply scan the QR Code below, create your free account, and start browsing more than 20,000 inspiring videos. We pray that RightNow Media will be a blessing to you and your family!

CCBA Office

WANTED! 


Native English speakers willing to spend 6 Monday nights 

(from July 22 to August 26) as small-group English conversation facilitators helping Chilean students improve their English and sowing Gospel seeds in their lives!


No teaching experience is necessary.


Each Monday, everyone connects on ZOOM from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm, Central Time. At 7:00 pm there is a large group lesson led by missionaries, followed later by small group breakouts where each facilitator will have 3-4 students. The topics for small groups are already established, with training videos available, so that preparation time is minimal.


Each week a short Bible narrative is presented (for example, Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter), and at the end of the course we will organize a celebration locally, allowing missionaries face-to-face opportunity to share the Lord with lost Chileans who took the online class!


We are happy to answer any questions, and we grateful in advance for those who volunteer for this outreach!


God is good!


For more information,write to Jason Frealy, frealy.6.chile@gmail.com.

First Baptist Church Corpus Christi

Register Here

Register Here

Community-Wide Events


The primary purpose of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association is to support the churches affiliated with our association. Should your church be involved in community-wide events, conferences, festivals, or have uplifting news about how God is impacting your congregation, kindly reach out to us at info@ccbaptistassociation.org. We welcome the opportunity to include your article in our monthly newsletter.