2026 Stewardship Pledge Drive
From Foundation to Future
This letter is to invite you to begin preparing for Stewardship Weekend, November 15th & 16th, when we all will have the opportunity to make known our intended offering for 2026 to further the Mission of God’s Church at 3rd and Terry Street.
“From Foundation to Future” connects the generosity of previous generations to our current Mission priorities, just as our generosity will inspire future generations to share the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for being an integral part of First Lutheran Church and for your ongoing support of our congregation’s ministry. Congregations that maintain the strong Foundation established by our past members, while embracing the call to the Future Mission of First Lutheran, learn to celebrate the gifts that are already present, realizing they are sufficient to be Christ’s Church here and now.
“The Ask”-- In response to God’s generosity, we boldly ask everyone to joyously contribute financially for the sake of our shared mission for today and the future
The enclosed commitment card includes a table that shows average weekly giving by number of households.
Here are some simple steps for our 2025 Stewardship response. Please:
- Prayerfully consider your planned offering to support our shared mission,
- locate your household on this table and consider whether you can move to another category,
- Complete your Estimate of Giving card,
- Present your Estimate of Giving during worship on Commitment Saturday, November 15th, or Sunday, November 16th.
If you are unable to attend worship on Commitment Saturday or Sunday you can also mail or bring your commitment card to the church office or submit it electronically via the Church website at www.firstluth.org.
The amount you give in your offering reflects your appreciation to God for all the blessings you have received. All giving records and your intention of giving remain confidential. Thank you for being good stewards of the gifts God and the Holy Spirit have given you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Garrett Struessel, Council President Andrew Howell, and your Stewardship Committee - Mary Hall, John Oppenlander, and Milenda Powers
From Foundation to Future
From the “Genesis” of the Ryssby Congregation and construction of the Ryssby Church in 1878 to joining with the Elim Congregation in 1916 to become First Lutheran Church, the construction of and opening of our current Sanctuary in 1938, and our long-standing belief in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Foundation is strong.
Yet, what is the future that lies ahead of us? We read in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold of it, but one thing I have laid hold of: forgetting what lies behind (Foundation) and straining forward to what lies ahead (Future). I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
God is calling God’s Church to become more than we currently are; yet, what is God’s calling for First Evangelical Lutheran Church? Mission is our focus, and our “Holy Trinity of Mission” includes: Facilities, Congregation, and Community outside our walls.
- Community:
- actively participate in local Missionary opportunities
- expand outreach and participation in our neighborhood and community
- Invitation, welcome, hospitality,
- Facilities:
- complete the Parish House Return to Housing Project and sustain our partnership with the OUR Center
- restore and/or upgrade First Lutheran’s beautiful facilities
- Congregation:
- encourage people of all ages to consider Theological Education and a call to serve the Church,
- Fellowship, households, strengthening community connections
- Create the emotional space within our community, so that everyone is welcomed and included
- Examine how our worship life fits our Mission
Fall is the time of the year we commonly focus on financial stewardship to further our congregational ministries, and when we commit our intentions for the financial support of First Lutheran’s mission. We will be sharing more about financial stewardship throughout October and November. November 8th and 9th is Commitment Weekend, when everyone is invited to respond to the invitation to bring forward our Estimates of Giving. Thank you for being a vital part of our vibrant congregation. Please pray for First Lutheran, the Mission we’re pursuing, and our common work together as we continue to proclaim the Gospel to our members and guests.
Prayerfully yours,
Your Stewardship Committee,
Mary Hall, John Oppenlander, Milenda Powers and Pr. Garrett Struessel
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