Thank you for being part of Grace Lutheran Church and for your support of our congregation’s ministry.  This letter is intended to prepare us for GRACE IT FORWARD Sunday, November 3, 2024, when we can make known our intended offering for next year. Our offering reflects our appreciation to God for all the blessings we have received.  Thank you for being a good steward of the gifts given to you.

 

Your generosity this year has enabled Grace to expand the impact we have had on our youth. Grace has been able to send seven of our high school youth to the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, two youth to Crossways Confirmation Camp, four youth to Leadership Lab at Augustana College, as we look forward to this November’s CSIS Youth Gathering in Carlinville. In addition to programs for our youth, we have invested in our music ministry by providing funding for 1-2 additional singers in our choir and guest instrumentalists on a more regular basis. The Food Pantry has continued to serve many people in our community and has helped them to locate other food pantries and micro pantries for the additional support they need. They have also broadened their base of large donors and have sought grants from corporate Springfield. Thank you for everything you have given in 2023.

 

PAY IT FORWARD

This year the emphasis will be on the building needs of Grace. On March 17, 2024, Grace Forum participants expressed a desire to remain at 7th and Capitol and to address facility deeds by a Pay as You go system.  In addition to your regular giving, you are being invited to GRACE IT FORWARD.  On the Statement of Intent there is a line for Dedicated Giving. Many of our members use this to give to the food pantry, Little Lambs, etc.  We are hoping that you will also be able to give to the PAY IT FORWARD line to help with expenses such as the air conditioning and audio-visual systems.  The gym ceiling was repaired this summer at a cost of $50,920.  Of that amount, $11,100 has been received thus far from members of Grace to help with the cost. In the future the stained-glass windows and floors will also need repairs.  Will you prayerfully consider whether or not you are able to help with the building needs of Grace?  

 

2025 REGULAR GIVING

Use the chart inside the Statement of Intent to help you decide if or how you can help. Decide your response as the Lord leads you.

Be assured that your offering, whatever amount you give, will be appreciated!

 

Be ready to present your Statement of Intent on GRACE IT FORWARD Sunday, November 3, 2024. Or, you can mail it to the church office at 714 E. Capitol Ave., 62701.

 

Thank you for considering to GRACE IT FORWARD.  The generosity of this congregation will allow us to continue to spread God’s work.

                                                                                Sincerely in Christ.

                                                                                Grace Stewardship Committee

Finally, thanks be to God for the dedication of the Stewardship Committee of Grace Lutheran Church.  Mary Plymire, Laurie Farrell, Carolyn Nelson,  and Aaron Babel have exemplified teamwork and their service to Grace Lutheran Church.

with Grace,

Pastor Krieger