I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
What does this mean?
I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that He has given and still preserves my body and soul with all their powers. God provides me with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all that I need from day to day. God also protects me in time of danger and guards me from every evil. He does this purely out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it. Therefore I surely ought to thank and praise, serve and obey him.
This is most certainly true.
-Luther’s Small Catechism
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Love Jesus. Live your call.
We truly are God’s people - called to live in and to live out the love of Jesus Christ. We are called to be good stewards of all that God has so graciously given to us.
Ways to be a STEWARD at First English:
Worship! Our worship of God is the most significant response we can make. Share and discover the love of Jesus Christ with us weekly at one of our many and diverse worship services at our two sites.
Connect! Seek ways to build relationships and care for one another. There are many opportunities at First English to gather together with others and come to know new friends.
Serve! Join others at First English in finding opportunities to serve. There are limitless ways to assist with our various ministries at church, in our community and beyond.
Give! Giving of ourselves, our time and from our resources is central to who we are as Christians. Your dollars allow ministry to happen here at First English every day. Discover the joy of giving as you give to the mission and ministry of First English Lutheran.
Recycle! We are stewards of God’s creation. We have been blessed by God and called to be caretakers of the world in which we live. Together we are making an effort to leave this world a better place.
We are all invited to prayerfully consider our call as stewards and disciples of Jesus Christ. In the fall of the year, First English Lutheran receives pledges from its members which enable the ministries of our congregation to take place with the culmination of Consecration Sunday. This year’s campaign theme is “Rejoicing in God’s Goodness” and we are lifting up the 10:10:80 Principle:
If you have not already completed an Estimate of Giving Card, you may do so by picking one up at the Welcome Center at either site. You may turn in your completed forms to the church office or place in the offering plate. Your partnership and investment in the mission of our congregation is greatly appreciated.
Another way of giving…The Automated Giving Program
Payments are made through a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account or credit card. You determine the frequency—weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly. Your gift is deposited in First English Lutheran’s bank account the same day it is withdrawn from your account.
It is a safe and reliable way to give. It is consistent with our focus on Recycling, as no paper or fees are incurred. Because your gift is given consistently, you won’t need to play “catch up” at the end of the year and First English Lutheran benefits from steady, more predictable revenues. If you have questions, call Brenda Smongeski in the church office, 733-2303. To enroll, request an automated giving authorization form or download it here and turn it in to Brenda at the office.
Capital Appeal Report
As of December 31, 2011, the “We Are Called” Capital Appeal has completed the third year of the five-year campaign. In 2008, 204 households pledged a total of $1,856,395. Through year-end of 2011, $972,063 has been collected. With a drop-off in pledge payments the active donors share a remaining pledge balance of $515,717.
In summary, the “We Are Called” Capital Appeal is now past the halfway point. We are extremely grateful to those who have committed funds and continue to follow through on their pledges. However, there remains an opportunity to reenergize members to help meet the capital needs of First English. Thanks for your help.
Financial Giving to First English Lutheran
If you wish to contribute financially to First English Lutheran and its ministries or the Capital Appeal, you may do so online by using this secure link. Giving can be through a withdrawal from your checking or savings bank account.
God’s Pie YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiTcW3AAa64
Read a weekly stewardship newsletter.
Sign up for Automated Giving Here.
Make a Financial Contribution Here.
Download a 2013 Estimate of Giving Form.
Complete a 2013 Estimate of Giving Form online.
Thought for the Month:
“A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25
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