Certainly! Here’s an illustration designed to teach seniors about leaving a legacy by including their church in their will. The presentation uses props to make the message concrete and relatable.

### Title: Leaving a Legacy: Honoring God Through Your Will

#### Objective:
To encourage seniors to consider including their church in their will as a way to leave a lasting legacy that supports their community and honors God.

#### Needed Props:
1. **A large, empty jar** (to represent your legacy)
2. **Small paper slips** (to represent gifts or contributions)
3. **A stack of index cards** (to represent different types of legacies – church, community, family)
4. **A Bible** (to signify God’s word and guidance)
5. **A plant or small tree** (symbolizing growth and the lasting impact of one’s contributions)
6. **Markers/Pens** (for writing on slips and cards)

#### Presentation Steps:

1. **Set Up the Scene**:
– Arrange a small table at the front with the jar, slips, index cards, and the Bible.

2. **Introduce the Concept**:
– Begin by holding the Bible and sharing a brief scripture that emphasizes giving and legacy, such as 2 Corinthians 9:7: *“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”*

3. **Explain the Jar**:
– Show the large empty jar. Explain that this jar represents each person’s life. As we go through life, we have the opportunity to fill it with different contributions – to family, friends, community, and the church.

4. **Distribute Paper Slips**:
– Hand out small paper slips to the seniors. Ask them to think about different ways they have contributed or want to contribute to the church and community. They can write their thoughts or ideas on these slips.

5. **Filling the Jar**:
– As they write, invite them to come forward one by one and add their slips to the jar. Emphasize that these contributions symbolize what they have done or want to do for their church.

6. **Introduce Index Cards**:
– Now, bring out the stack of index cards. Explain that these cards represent different types of legacies.
– For instance, one card can say “Family,” representing the legacy that stays within their family; another can say “Community,” representing contributions made within their town or neighborhood; and another can say “Church,” which is for the significance of supporting their church.
– Ask the seniors to choose one index card that resonates with them and explain why.

7. **Discuss Leaving a Legacy**:
– Use the plant or small tree to visualize how the legacy can grow. Explain that when they leave a part of their estate or a gift to the church, like the roots of a tree, it helps foster growth in the community and spreads God’s love further.
– Share anecdotes or testimonials of how church contributions from past members have made a difference.

8. **Encouragement to Consider Their Legacy**:
– Encourage the seniors to speak with a legal advisor about including their church in their wills. Remind them that leaving a legacy is not just about finances but includes prayers, support, and love shared with their church.

9. **Wrap Up**:
– Close with a prayer that blesses their decisions and encourages everyone to think about the impact they want to leave.

10. **Personal Journaling (Optional)**:
– If time allows, provide some quiet moments for them to write down their thoughts about leaving a legacy in a personal journal, reflecting on the contributions they wish to continue even after they’re gone.

By utilizing props and a hands-on approach, this illustration will resonate with seniors in a meaningful way while encouraging them to consider the importance and impact of leaving a legacy through their wills.