ABOVE & BEYOND Gift Catalog 2018-2019
A Word from Your Pastors Dear Friends of St Stephens, St Stephens Lutheran Church (SSLC) is celebrating 120 years of blessings from God above so that we might be a blessing to the mission and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. To mark this anniversary we are establishing Above and Beyond Gift Catalog. In the recent past your gifts have helped renovate the sanctuary and have kept the doors of the school opened to minister to the children, have supported foreign and local missions, and have helped create and maintain the general ministries of our congregation. And we thank you and the Lord for that generosity. Each year God s grace shines through the generosity of time, treasures and talents offered by you, the family and friends of SSLC. And, each year, we are to challenge ourselves as servants of the Lord to do more, to go Above and Beyond for the Lord, doing His ministry of bringing Christ to the people and the people into the kingdom of God. The challenge for what remains of the year 2018 and for the new year, 2019, are represented in this gift catalog, in the pages that follow. They are ways you can increase the footprints of SSLC upon the community and the world as we display how Christ Jesus works IN US, AMONG US and THROUGH US. Whether you desire to commemorate a special occasion, contribute in honor or memory of a loved one or make a one time or ongoing donation for a specific need or general support, your gifts will make an eternal difference in the life of our faith community and those we seek to serve. It will continue to be by God s grace that we continue to be a blessing to many. May the Lord grant to you that grace of giving and remember we are blessed to be a blessing. Your Brothers in Christ Pastor Dave Guelzow & Pastor Dave Ziehr 2
Program Summary How Can I Go Above and Beyond? Above and Beyond is a directed giving program designed to help provide a guide for both special offerings for non-budgeted items for the ministry of the church, and to sponsor special budgeted items that are Above and Beyond our regular tithes and offerings. Gifts may be given on a one-time or continuing basis. Gifts may be given, and recognized, in celebration of a milestone for the church, or a significant life event such as a baptism, confirmation, a birthday, wedding, anniversary or the thanksgiving of any kind. Gifts may be made in honor or in memory of a person to support a ministry that has special meaning to them, or to enhance a particular ministry that has touched your own life. Gifts from Above and Beyond Gift Catalog may be purchased by using the attached gift order form in the back of the catalog, or by going online at www.sslcms.org. Click Online Giving on the home page to get started, then follow a link to Above & Beyond. Please specify Above and Beyond on checks or giving envelopes to ensure that your gift is credited appropriately. Why are we doing this? St Stephens always rises to meet the needs of mission and ministry of the church. Above and Beyond allows each of us to know how we can make a difference in very specific ways. This serves God s purposes as He works IN US, AMONG US and THROUGH US. It s the Gift of Giving 3
Christ Working IN US to nurture and feed us in the faith But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen II PETER 3:18 A. Do Everything and Anything (General Fund) Would you like to give an Above and Beyond offering but don t have any particular area to which you would like to designate it? This fund is of special importance because it supports the everyday work and mission that God has been carrying out at St. Stephens for more than 120 years. Be sure to make note if you would like this gift to be given in Honor or Memory of someone special or in Thanksgiving for a special event (an anniversary, a baptism, etc.). [This also applies to all of the following categories!] 4
Christ Working IN US Growing Faith Bible Study (Growing in Grace and Faith) B. Life Group Training and Materials Life Groups provide the opportunity for Discipleship, Christian Care and Outreach centered around the Word of God. Example of Cost: Share of $25 or $2000 total C. Vacation Bible School Donations and Celebration We grow in service and in love for the children of our families and community as we offer Vacation Bible School every summer. In our VBS we serve between 150 to 200 of Christ s kids with His Word and fellowship. Example of Cost: $3000 annually, or sponsor a child for $20 D. Adult Bible Study Adult Bible study consists of Sunday School, Lifelight classes and other groups in which we study books of the Bible during the course of the week. Example of Cost: $1500 annually or $10 per share E. Confirmation/New Member Classes As we bring new members into our family, through youth or adult confirmation, we provide for them a firm understanding of Lutheran doctrine. Example of Cost: $1800 for materials, or $25 per share 5
Christ Working IN US In the Next Generation Faith in the Next Generation (building tomorrow s church today) Also, see School section on page 12 F. Youth Ministry We nurture the youth of our family, grades 5 through 12, with a vital youth ministry. Different activities are planned for their faith building and fellowship. Example of Cost: $3000 annually, or $50 per share G. Youth Gathering Sponsorship Youth Gatherings, whether it be the National Youth Gathering, Retreats, or Servant Events give our youth the opportunity to grow in their faith while going out into different settings in our community and world to serve and learn about Christ. Example of Cost: National Youth Gathering - $7000 per year Servant Event - $3000 per year: $50, 100, or $500 per share H. Children s Ministry You can support the youngest of our family, ministering to them a faith life so as to grow in grace (i.e.: Sunday School, Faith Legacy, Christmas, & Easter programs). Example of Cost: $2800 annually, $25 or $50 per share I. Confirmation Retreat Scholarship Sponsor our youth by helping them attend the Southeastern District Gathering, regional retreats and/or our own local retreats. Example of Cost: $100 per student, or a share for $25 6
Christ Working AMONG US Strengthening our relationships with one another, making us a strong family of God, working together for the kingdom. Fellowship (Life Together) J. Homecoming Festival Provide your financial support to make this annual event even better Example of Cost: $10 - $1000 K. Peacemaking Ministry Resources Your donation will allow our Peacemaking Team to purchase books, resources and provide coaching and training to those who need assistance when dealing with conflict Example of Cost: $10 - $15 per book Training $500 - $2000 Worship (Make a Joyful Noise!) L. Altar Supplies Provide ongoing support for our worship life together. Items include supplies for Holy Communion, baptisms and other celebrations. Example of Cost: $2000/year or $50 per share M. Traditional Worship Provide ongoing support for exceptional music as offered in our Traditional Worship services (instrumentalists, maintenance of organ and equipment). N. Contemporary Worship Provide ongoing support for exceptional music as offered in our Contemporary Worship services (instruments, equipment, copyright licenses, etc.) Example of cost: $4500/annually or per share of $50, $250, or $500 O. Choral Scholar Support We are blessed with many talented students studying music at Lenoir Rhyne University. We are able to support their development as they share their talent with our choir. Example of cost: $3400 share for $25, $100 or more P. Sanctuary Equipment Enhancement We were recently blessed by a major upgrade to our sound system speakers, but we will now need to provide for an upgrade to audio equipment. (In late 2019 our wireless system will experience interference due to regional bandwidth redistribution). Example of Cost: $10,000 for this year share $100 - $1000 Example of Cost: $4500/annually or per share of $50, $250, or $500 Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory forever and ever. EPHESIANS 3:20-21 7
Christ Working AMONG US Being Good Stewards Honoring God s Property (being good stewards of God s blessings) Q. Church Expansion Fund Provide for expansion and growth of facilities as new mission and ministries are established. Any amount of support makes a difference. R. Renovation Fund Continued support of refurbishing facilities. (New lighting in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall upgrades) Example of Cost: Lighting $50,000 S. Church Maintenance/Equipment Fund Support the ongoing repair and improvement of our property and facility. Any amount is helpful. 8
Christ Working THROUGH US Serving our communities with the love of Christ Missions (Taking Christ to the ends of the world) T. Brandon Martin - Mission Support in Central America Pastor Martin is working with Ambassadors of Reconciliation to teach pastors and leaders about the work of Christ through the Gospel and peacemaking. Sponsorship: $5,000/year or support of any amount U. Shauen Trump - Missionary in Kenya, Africa Support the Trump family as they preach the gospel in Africa in obedience to their calling. Sponsorship: $25 a month throughout the year V. Pastor Yang & Trinity Hmong Lutheran Church Support the reaching out and preaching the gospel to the Hmong population in our community. X. Sponsorship of TV Ministry Broadcast Support the television ministry as we broadcast our services every week to thousands of viewers across the Valley and beyond. Example of Cost: $23,000/year or Sponsor a broadcast for $100 - $400 Y. Comfort Dog Ministry LC-MS comfort dogs (and their human team members) provide comfort and ministry both in places of major disaster (Houston, Orlando, Parkland, Sandy Hook) and in everyday locations like nursing homes and schools. Example of Cost: This is a non-budgeted item that will require $20,000 for startup training for the dog and its handlers. Sponsorship: $50-$500 share W.Mission Trip Support Support Mission Projects (i.e.: Alaska Mission Team, Dental Ministry Team, etc.) by helping to send people to serve in areas of need. Teams often have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ through acts of service such as leading VBS, providing medical assistance, or doing some construction on churches and houses in the areas. Example of Cost: Varies, any donation is appreciated. 9 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith. ROMANS 1:16
Christ Working THROUGH US Helping Others Helping Others (Making a difference with Christ s love) Z. Disaster Relief Fund Help us be ready as a congregation to respond when disaster strikes. Donations will be used to assemble Flood Buckets and/or to provide funds when the need arises. Example of Cost: $20 - $100 share AA. Health Relief Fund Support families in need due to medical issues in life including prescriptions and medical bills. Example of Cost: $3000/annually, or Share $50 BB. Good Samaritan/Benevolence Fund We often have people in need of food or other needs to sustain life. Support them as if they were Christ. Example of Cost: $2500/annually, or Share $10, $50 or $100 CC. Backpack & Outreach Ministry Serving the children of St. Stephens Elementary Public School and the community by providing the necessities for an education (food, clothes, hygiene items and school supplies) through item and monetary donations. Example of Cost: $2500/annually 10
Christ Working THROUGH US Supporting others Community Resources & Ministries (Supporting those who help others) DD. Pregnancy Care Center Your donation will make a difference in two lives -- a mother in need and her child. Example of Cost: $10-100 EE. CCM (Cooperative Christian Ministries) This local ministry is supported by a variety of churches to give crucial assistance to our community and their needs. A Gift of Giving Blessing those that are a blessing! Any donations appreciated. FF. Soup Kitchen Provides a good, daily meal to those who are hungry and in need. Donations are appreciated. 11
Christ Working THROUGH US In Our School SCHOOL Growing in Grace & Academics GG. School Fundraiser We have been blessed with more than 75 years of Christian school education. We are excited to continue this blessing with your financial support. Example of Cost: $103,000 needed for 2019. HH. Adopt a Student Support a member s child by taking on a year s tuition to SSLS. This is done anonymously and will allow more students to enroll. Example of Cost: $3200/year 12
Leave A Legacy Making a Difference Beyond Ourselves II. School Endowment Our endowment provides important third source funding for our school. The more that the Endowment has, the better the long-term support. Prayerfully consider how you can help. JJ. All Saints Mission Fund This fund is available as a place to give for the use of the church in mission, ministry, and/or other opportunities that present themselves throughout the year. Example of Donation: Life Insurance, Estate Planning, Stocks, or any monetary donation. 13
Q & A Questions and Answers about the Catalog Can I give a gift to celebrate a special event or in memory of a loved one? Yes. The Above and Beyond Gift Catalog is a great way to commemorate a baptism, wedding, anniversary, birthday or any special occasion. It is also a wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one through a special gift that reflects that love. How will my gift be recognized? Aside from the joy of seeing your special gift at work for Christ s mission and ministry in and around the church, gifts can be acknowledged upon your request with a card or letter to the honoree or their family or to you as a donor. Can I specify a gift from the Catalog to be funded from my regular giving? Special gifts are intended to fall outside of, or Above and Beyond regular giving, which supports the general operations and budget of the church. Special gifts are just that special and they should reflect the giver s desire to make a contribution outside normal tithes and offerings. What if I want to give a gift that is not in the Catalog? The Catalog is intended to reflect identified items that are needed by the church and the ministry programs. If you would like to give an alternative gift in memory of a loved one, feel free to discuss your idea with the Pastors or staff. What if I feel unable to fund the entire amount of a gift that has special meaning to me? Don t let a limited budget keep you from giving the gift of your choice. You may choose to pay a gift over time, or give an amount towards a gift in the Catalog, or underwrite a portion of a particular ministry. For many of the gifts, several givers may be needed. We can do it together! 14
Gift Order Form Above & Beyond Name: Address: E-mail: Phone: I/We would like to donate the following to sustain/expand St. Stephen s ministry allowing Christ Jesus to work IN US, AMONG US, and THROUGH US. Letter Code Description Quantity Price Total A. Do Everything (General Fund) 1 Example Example I/We have enclosed a check for gift(s) in the amount of $. I/We pledge $ on a monthly basis for months or years. I/We will complete payment online at www.sslcms.org If you would like a Gift Acknowledgement, please select/circle and complete as applicable: In Honor Of: Gift Acknowledgement will be sent to the following: In Memory Of: Name: Address: Occasion/purpose of Gift: Please specify honoree name, and occasion for the gift, as well as name and address to which the acknowledgement card should be sent. Completed form and payment should be mailed to the church office or put in the offering plate. Please specify on the check or giving envelope Above & Beyond. Mail to: St. Stephens Lutheran Church MS 2304 Springs Road Hickory, NC 28601 OR Put in Offering Plate Or Give your gift online at: www.sslcms.org Click Online Giving, then Above & Beyond 15
Non-Profit Organ. U.S. Postage PAID Hickory, NC Permit No. 83 (828) 256-9865 Website address: sslcms.org Address Return Request Please Join Us in Worship Saturday: 5:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - Traditional 10:30 am Contemporary 11:45 am - Traditional Gift Catalog 2018-2019