Giving more like Jesus . . . That's our prayer and our goal here at Light of Christ. We seek to give as Jesus gives -- freely, fully, generously, and joyously. We believe that the Holy Spirit is at work to make us a more and more generous people with our time, talent, and treasure. In a culture that often worships at the altar of greed we strive to live out a way of life that is centered in Jesus' own generosity. We seek to give as Jesus gives not only for our own transformation but for the transformation of others. By our giving we seek to make an eternal difference not only in our own lives but in the lives of others. We have choices. What we focus upon matters. Where we place our attention and energies impacts us and the people around us. Where we're looking affects where we go.

Click Here for the 2027 Online Pledge Form

Stewardship Campaign for 2027 - Take a Step in Faith - An Invitation to the Journey

An Invitation to the Journey

Faith rarely grows all at once. More often, God meets us along the way—inviting us to notice, to trust, and to take one faithful step at a time.

This fall, Light of Christ invites every person and household to Take a Step in Faith. Over four Sundays, we will consider where God may be inviting us to grow—not only in financial generosity, but across the whole journey of faith.

Four Sundays. Four invitations.

September 20 — Take a Step in Your Spiritual Journey: Deepen the practices and relationships that help you draw nearer to God.

September 27 — Take a Step in Your Serving Journey: Put faith into action through a specific act of service, ministry, or care.

October 4 — Take a Step in Your Generosity Journey: Grow toward joyful, intentional, and faithful generosity.

October 11 — Take a First Step: Choose a faithful beginning that God is placing before you.

Each week in worship, the sermon and a special bulletin insert will invite you to reflect on a few questions, write down something personal, and identify one practical step you feel ready to take. These responses are meant to help you listen for God’s invitation and carry it into daily life—not to compare your journey with anyone else’s.

Near the conclusion of the campaign, you will receive three opportunities to reflect: a step in your serving journey, a step in your spiritual journey, and a 2027 financial estimate of giving. We ask you to approach each one prayerfully and faithfully. Your step may be a first step, a renewed step, or a courageous next step.

You do not need to have the whole journey figured out.
You only need to be open to the step God is inviting you to take.

Thank you for the faith, service, and generosity you already share through Light of Christ. Together, one faithful step at a time, God continues to shape us into a community of love, hope, and generous witness.

In Christ,

The Light of Christ Stewardship Committee

Mike Boyack
Pat Czock (council rep)
Steven Dickey
Tim Johnson

Annual Ministry Giving/Priorities

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.

Let Us Build a House Capital Appeal

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.

Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund Committee helps Light of Christ members or couples make either a legacy gift through estate planning or a major gift at any point that fits their financial life. Planning what will happen to assets at the end of life allows members to make an impact and leave a legacy for the future.

As members contribute gifts and estate proceeds, the growing Endowment Fund uses investment income to fund grants. These are awarded to ministry projects within Light of Christ, the local Delano community, and ELCA projects throughout the U.S. and world. Most recent 2024 grants included:

•   A Prayer Ground rug in the play area of the sanctuary
•   Housing staples our mission trip youth selected to prepare a refugee's apartment
•   Financial donation toward sanctuary livestream equipment

The committee connects interested members with an ELCA Gift Planner and provides synod resources that clarify the most rewarding and tax-efficient way to distribute assets to family and ministries the member(s) choose. To initiate a conversation, contact the church office for current Endowment Fund committee members. Continue reading for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

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.

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We currently use Vanco Payment Solutions to process our online contributions. We use this site to manage our registration fees as well. If you are registering for a Children & Youth Ministry such as Pathfinders, Voyagers, or Confirmation, or paying for Slice, please click above on Click here to Give and designate your payment as registration by finding the correct tile. You can also download the Vanco Mobile app and search for Light of Christ Lutheran Church-Delano to make a contribution or pay registration fees from the palm of your hand. Thank you!