Capital Campaign Shalom Lutheran Church Building to fulfill our mission in Christ Gracious God, we thank and praise you for the many ways you have richly inspired, blessed and guided us since we began as a congregation. We believe we have been called as part of your church on earth to invite others into a deeper relationship with you. May we fulfill our calling with generous hearts, graciously giving back the gifts that you have bestowed upon us through your mercy. Be with us now as we conduct this capital campaign so that generations to come may continue to invite others, find peace, and follow you in compassionate service. In your holy name we pray. Amen
A Letter From Our Pastor... For my house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples. Isaiah 56:7 I drive a 13 year old car and I am perfectly fine with that. My car does exactly what it is supposed to do: it gets me where I need to go safely, and without a lot of fuss or expense. In fact, after all these years, my car has become like a trusted companion. We ve gone a lot of places together. I don t need a newer or fancier car to be happy. In many ways, Shalom s current facility reminds me of my aging car. It has served its purpose as a shelter for God s people. One might even reflect fondly on all the good that has taken place inside its walls: the baptisms, weddings and funerals; the first communions and confirmations; the Bible studies, Bible school lessons and Sunday School Christmas programs; the Easter morning and Christmas Eve worship services. Yes, in many ways, this building has become a comfortable and familiar companion, just like my old car. The difference is, our building (unlike my car) is no longer able to take us where we need to go. It no longer adequately serves it purpose. After all, our mission is to invite people to a deeper relationship with Christ. But it s hard to invite people when there isn t adequate space to teach their children, or to care for their infants, or to have a quiet, focused discussion around the Word. It s hard to offer genuine hospitality when the roof leaks and the carpets are stained. A sanctuary that is crowded, or that discourages singing, or that does not help worshippers to focus on God is not an inviting environment. As I presented in our midweek Lenten worship series, I believe God is calling the members of Shalom Lutheran Church to take the next step forward in our on going mission by challenging us to build a house of prayer for all peoples. If we did not have this calling from God if we did not have a mission to invite more people to know Christ more deeply, I could be as satisfied with our outdated building as I am with my old car, and we could spare a lot of trouble and expense. But when God gives you a vision, when God gives you a mission, no effort or expense should be spared. I pray that you will join me in re committing ourselves to our calling to invite people (members and non members alike) to a deeper relationship with Christ, as together we build to fulfill our mission in Christ. In God s service, Pastor Grant Aaseng
Our History... A past to be proud of... Shalom Lutheran Church has a rich history of serving the spiritual needs of its congregation. From the beginning, Shalom Lutheran Church has striven to be a true reflection of the Body of Christ, committed to being a caring and supportive faith community. Today, the congregation aspires to live this vision and continues to offer new ministries that meet to serve all members and those who seek to be one with us. An essential part of this aspiration is to have resources and facilities that are adequate to the unique challenges of ministry now and for the future. Our church building represents a means to an end. It is the vessel that contains and nurtures the many ways of expressing Godʹs love. Our facilities provide the setting in which we pass on to future generations the beliefs, values and teachings of our Lutheran heritage. To provide ministries, share our faith, worship together and continue Christian formation for our children and adults, we need to expand and enhance our physical facilities. When our current church was built in 1984 there continued to be a vision for growth and a larger facility. After over two decades of serving our faith community the church building has several areas of enhancement and expansion. A Building Committee was charged in 2007 with the task of determining how to improve the church to continue living our mission. A congregational survey was completed to determine our needs and many hours have been contributed towards creating a plan for a future filled with hope.
QUESTIONS ON GIVING How much should I/we give to the campaign? There is no easy answer to this question. It s up to you. As Christians we have the power of prayer to help us arrive at the answer. Clearly a goal of this magnitude cannot be reached without sacrifice. As others have sacrificed so we may be served by this wonderful community, so too are we called upon to make a sacrifice for present and future generations. Finally, your pledge isn t legally binding, but rather a covenant with God, so please make it with full faith and intention. Why a three year pledge period? Pledging enables members to make a more significant investment than might be possible with a single cash donation. Members can realize optimal tax savings by spreading their contributions over a period of several years. Pledging also assists the church in plans for completing the project. Are my payments fully deductible? As a general rule, payments on your pledge are tax deductible in the year they are made. As with all tax questions, you should have your accountant review your specific circumstances. How can I make my gift? Cash or Check What could be simpler? During the 3 year campaign period you can fulfill your pledge weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually by using church envelopes. Simply Giving Program If you would like the funds transferred from your account, just note this on your pledge card and follow the instructions regarding Simply Giving in your campaign information envelope. Securities or real estate that has appreciated By donating appreciated secure ties or property there are opportunities to avoid capital gains tax.
How often will I have to make my pledge? You may pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi annually or annually. Below is a chart to help you consider your pledge to the capital campaign. Gift Examples Three year pledge chart Semi Total Gift Monthly Quarterly Annually Annually $100,000 $ 2,778 $ 8,334 $16,667 $ 33,334 $ 75,000 $ 2,084 $ 6,250 $12,500 $ 25,000 $ 50,000 $ 1,388 $ 4,167 $ 8,334 $ 16,667 $ 40,000 $ 1,111 $ 3,334 $ 6,667 $ 13,334 $ 30,000 $ 834 $ 2,500 $ 5,000 $ 10,000 $ 25,000 $ 694 $ 2,084 $ 4,167 $ 8,333 $ 20,000 $ 556 $ 1,667 $ 3,334 $ 6,667 $ 15,000 $ 417 $ 1,250 $ 2,500 $ 5,000 $ 10,000 $ 278 $ 834 $ 1,667 $ 3,334 $ 8,000 $ 222 $ 667 $ 1,334 $ 2,667 $ 5,000 $ 139 $ 417 $ 834 $ 1,667 $ 2,000 $ 56 $ 167 $ 334 $ 667 $ 1,000 $ 27 $ 84 $ 167 $ 334 $ 500 $ 14 $ 42 $ 84 $ 167
Shalom Lutheran Church 800 County Road 44 NW Alexandria, MN 56308 We believe God is calling us to invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ, that all may discover true peace and be prepared to follow Him in compassionate service.