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Click Here for Giving Options
Our Light of Christ mission and ministries happen because of the generosity and giving of our members/partners. Together we accomplish much. This "Annual Ministry Giving/Priorities" contain everything that is in our annual budget, everything from ministry and support staff, to facility maintenance, to utilities, to supplies and resources. You might think of this similarly to the offering plate. This is what helps make the heartbeat of our ministry happen.
Many enjoy making this giving a priority and regular giving pattern. Thus, pledging is a way to do that. Others enjoy giving as they feel moved. Whatever the case might be for you, this is one place you can do your giving.
Oftentimes we speak about time, talent and treasures as being central ways we are a part of Christ's ministry. This is the "treasure" portion. Essentially having Jesus' priorities and mission being our own, too. The website is filled with ways to give of your time and talents, so please peruse the many pages and tabs here.
Thank you for your faith active in love through your financial giving! Click here to go to our online giving page.
Help us move toward our vision to more deeply connect with God and one another! Our Let Us Build a House capital appeal begins by taking care of some facility and campus priorities, including a new parking lot, some building security, and fixing our leaky steeple. Then we'll move on to improving our internal space and flow that will increase our ministry connections.
Click here for our online giving site to find the capital appeal as well as other giving options and needs.
As you probably know, throughout the month of February we held a special fundraising appeal. The goal was to increase our faith sharing (contributions) to the General Fund by $64,000 in 2024.
We held this appeal to fully fund four full-time staff positions and one part-time staff position so we can continue to staff for growth.
As your Church Council we are delighted to let you know that $54,425 has been pledged and $35,685 has been received so far. Thank you for your generosity!
Given the pledges we received, we have decided to fund the Children and Family Ministry position at half-time (20 hours per week on average) for 2024, which is the same as the funding level for the past several years.
At the same time, we are fully committed to ending 2024 in the black. We cannot end the year with another shortfall. We cannot spend money we don’t have.
We are committed to continual evaluation of the financial health of Light of Christ. As we move through the remainder of the year and can better see how our budgeted amounts for the Pastoral transition/move and compensation match to actuals, we can update our financial outlook and inform the congregation of any variances vs expectations. We will then evaluate what, if any, actions need to be taken to maintain the balanced budget that was approved at the annual meeting.
Finally, thank you for your continued generosity. Over the last five years Light of Christ partners/members have given over three million dollars to the mission and ministry of Light of Christ. This is truly a reason for rejoicing!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact any Church Council member. We are always happy to speak with you.
Peace and joy always,
Natasha Werner, President Billie Chock Luke Jeseritz
Mike Boyack, Vice-President Jon Wissink Lisa Krause
Tim Current, Treasurer Heidi Goldbeck Bruce Kuenzel, Pastor
Laurie Brown, Secretary
What will happen to your assets at the end of your life? The Endowment Fund Committee works with ELCA Gift Planners to help members distribute assets to family and ministries that are important to you.
What is the Endowment Fund?
- This separate and distinct fund is not part of Light of Christ’s general fund, nor is it financed by or allocated through any capital appeal.
- Private gifts from Light of Christ partners grow and fund the church’s ministries, both locally and globally. It is the third leg of LOC’s funding stool: faith giving, capital campaigns, Endowment Fund.
- Perhaps most importantly, individual Light of Christ partners apply their current gifts to create the church’s future.
Why give to the Endowment Fund?
- Your gift leaves a personal legacy reflecting your values and faith.
- You ensure a strong future for Light of Christ ministries, created by your gift.
- Gifts of cash, stock, property or insurance policies can create a tax advantage in your estate plans and benefit your family.
- Endowment Fund gifts enhance the long-term stability of our church and support future needs beyond what we know today.
How do I gift the Fund?
- Gifts of assets such as stocks, bonds, property or cash can be given at any time.
- Planned gifts can include an insurance policy, willed amount, or deeded property.
- Financial gifts can be made by check or online on the Vanco site. (Scroll to select the Endowment Fund.)
- No minimum donation is required.
- There’s no need to alert Light of Christ to your estate gift plan.
- We recommend that you work with our ELCA Regional Gift Planner to ensure the best tax strategy in your giving.
How is the Fund’s money managed and spent?
- The Light of Christ Endowment Fund Committee follows legal bylaws and gift policies.
- Funds are invested in ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust . Quarterly reports are available online.
- The Annual Report provided to the congregation includes the Fund balance, growth data, and grant awards each calendar year.
- Depending on market conditions, the Committee reviews grant applications and awards funds for internal (LOC), local (Delano area), and global (ELCA-supported) ministries.
How can I make a grant application?
- Download and complete the Application Form.
- Submit via email to the church office with “Endowment Fund Application” in the subject line.
- Please review the Endowment Fund Policies that may affect your application.
