“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough, you may share abundantly in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
Dear Friends in Christ,
As soon as I started as Pastor at St. John’s, I recognized a committed and generous congregation. At a recent Stewardship meeting a comment was made that those who have been members at St. John’s over the years have kept the Church going spiritually and financially. That was a real compliment and a true statement. Something that is true is that our new members have been very active and supportive of the ongoing ministry of the Church. This Church makes a difference in people’s lives and we want to continue to do that far into the future. As St. Paul states in 2 Corinthians, God has provided every blessing in abundance.
In the past two years St. John’s has taken care of some important building repairs and upgrades. They were a long time coming and ‘Praise the Lord’ they got done. Here are some of them: roof repairs, re-insulating heating and air conditioning ductwork, repairing interior/exterior damage to Sunday school classroom, hallway and ceiling repairs, repairing three heating and air conditioning units and replacing one completely, connecting to township sewer system. The costs involved were over 100,000 dollars. We were able to pay for all that without incurring any debt.
It was paid for by a combination of designated giving, property budget, and reserve spending. Looking forward, we still have several items on the ‘to do’ list. Some of these are: replacing gutters and wood replacement all around the Church, painting exterior sections, some restroom upgrades, some miscellaneous items, and paving the parking lot. The costs involved will be approximately 100,000 dollars. Just like your own home, the Church building has ongoing costs and repairs from time to time. It’s just on a bigger scale.
To address this, your Stewardship and Finance Committee and Property Committee has been working diligently to come up with a plan. Estimates have been obtained and the Congregation supports the idea of a Capital Campaign to fund these items. Congregations conduct Stewardship programs from time to time to accomplish financial goals. I’m sure you can remember those times in the past when the Church did something along these lines. It’s time for that again.
The NALC (The North American Lutheran Church, the Church body we belong to) provides a free resource for us to use. It’s called “Overflowing Generosity.” We’re planning on starting it in September and concluding it in October. It will involve Prayer, Sermons, Bible Study, Special Presentations, Pledges, and a Celebration Brunch. If this sounds a little intimidating or overwhelming, remember what Jesus said in Luke 12:32, “Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Christian discipleship involves growth, and discipleship includes stewardship, and stewardship includes financial giving. We encourage our members to grow in all spiritual disciplines. We ask people to pray more, read the Bible more, to give more, to serve more, and grow in grace and knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ. Every one of us has a part in this. The people of St. John’s have always responded to God’s call. We have an opportunity to do so again.
I am excited to share this with you and do my part as the Pastor to lead the Congregation forward in this great endeavor. I am excited to see what God will do as we meet this challenge. I am excited to see St. John’s position itself for growth and to reach out with the life changing Gospel message now and into the future.
In Christ’s service and yours,
Pastor Dan