Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

What an exhilarating time to be part of First Lutheran Church! Much like the way God provided Manna in the Wilderness to nourish and guide the Israelites, we are the fortunate recipients of God’s boundless generosity! With hearts brimming with joy and hope, we wholeheartedly embrace our calling to share God’s mission of love through our ministry of time, talents, and treasure, all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

  • Firstly, God’s gift of time is the cornerstone of the mission of First Lutheran Church. This precious gift, generously bestowed upon us by the Almighty, holds the key to our shared journey. In recognizing the invaluable nature of this gift, we are prompted to ponder how God calls each of us to contribute our time to the mission of First Lutheran. 
  • Secondly, God’s gift of talents, spoken of in the Bible, specifically in 1 Corinthians 12, is a treasure trove vital to the mission of First Lutheran Church. As a talented and faithful community, we are each entrusted with these gifts. The question that arises is, how is God summoning each one of us to utilize our unique talents in furthering the mission of First Lutheran? 
  • Lastly, God’s gifts of financial means, vital to the fulfillment of the mission of First Lutheran Church, come in various forms and sizes. No contribution is too small or great in the eyes of our generous God. As recipients of His boundless generosity, we are called to contribute financially, each according to our means, to advance the mission of God’s Church. 

In the upcoming year, our stewardship campaign places a spotlight on the gifts of time and talents, and the prospect is one of sheer celebration! The Congregation Council is diligently improving our Committee descriptions and systems, offering an abundance of opportunities to serve in God’s church. We have the privilege to take the lead in shaping our mission, both individually and as a community. 

With a diminishing reliance on staff, we can boldly venture into new horizons and explore uncharted territories we once deemed unreachable. Let us advance with unwavering faith, boundless love, and an eager heart to reflect God’s infinite generosity in our world. 

Our recent survey, conducted by the Council during the summer of 2022, provides valuable insights into our time and talents. It’s evident that the Holy Spirit and the Council are guiding us toward a Committee-driven ministry model. The exciting part is the multitude of opportunities it offers for all to serve and generously contribute, mirroring the generous heart of God. 

With hearts brimming with gratitude and excitement, let’s embark on God’s mission together. Your contributions, be it in the form of time or talent, represent a cherished part of the vibrant First Lutheran Church community. Let’s envision and reflect on the boundless generosity of God, vividly displayed in the biblical account of the Manna in the Wilderness. 

In His Grace, 

First Lutheran Church Stewardship for All Seasons team,
Milenda Powers, John Oppenlander, Mary Hall, Pastor Garrett Struessel