Gethsemane Lutheran Church: Joyfully Learning, Living, and Sharing God's Word

We will change from our usual schedule and host our Fall stewardship campaign in September. "Stewards of God’s Love" has been our emphasis this year. We will have temple talks on DOWN—our relationship with God, IN—what God has entrusted to our care, and OUT—our relationship with our neighbors. 

In the past, the Pledge Card had the General Fund (operating expenses), Benevolence (ELCA and Synod offerings to wider ministries), and Capital Fund (repairs to our building and its contents). This year we are adding Mission: Possible (loan payments for the roof replacement). 

Our Commitment Sunday will be held on September 27. When you fill in your Time and Talent Form and Pledge Card, consider how your use of Time, Talents, and Money can best serve God. When we form a cross with our lives and through our faith, we are marked with the cross of Christ forever.

God’s blessings,

Carol Stuckert

Congregational Life chair

Now that the Special Congregation Meeting is behind us, we can look forward to an interesting fall season here at Gethsemane.

Of course the roof work is top of mind. Our contractor is Tri-State Roofing here in Lexington. We’re on their fall schedule, with construction starting in November and wrapping up—God willing—before the end of the year. What you didn’t see at the congregation meeting was Tri-State VP Greg Meegan’s interview with council on August 18. We peppered Mr. Meegan with questions for about an hour and came away with a high degree of confidence in their qualifications, honesty and customer service.

A portion of the roughly $200,000 in construction costs will come from a pair of commercial loans from Commercial Trust Bank over in Beaumont Center. Elaine Jacobsen’s Finance Committee looked at several options before narrowing the choice down to either CTB or ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund. In the end the clear choice was CTB.

Another portion of the funding will come from available Restricted Accounts to the tune of about $53,000. Gethsemane has been blessed by past leadership that has socked away unexpected income for a rainy day. We’re also blessed by many current members who contribute to these restricted funds regularly. The fact that we have these resources is evidence of our sound financial standing.

How much we actually borrow is a direct result of the success of our fundraising drive, aptly titled “Mission: Possible.” Nobody likes being in debt. For us, mortgage payments are made with money that could be better spent on ministry. So our goal should be to borrow as little as possible and pay that loan off as quickly as possible. If you can, please consider making an up front, lump sum contribution toward the roof project. And for the rest of us, make a commitment to contribute to Mission Possible during the fall stewardship drive.

Speaking of Mission Possible, I want to recognize Carol Stuckert, who has stepped up in two ways in the past month. She is leading the Mission Possible subcommittee and is also taking Kathy Evans’ place as chair of the Congregational Life Committee. Kathy will remain as a committee member. Thanks to Carol for stepping in and a huge thanks to Kathy for setting the committee up for success.

Blessings, 

David Leverenz, 

Council President