Our Stewardship Program theme this year is to “Let God Lead.” We started with a unique and beautifully presented musical that led us “To the Castle.” On September 23^rd and 24^th, Jo Irwin and Mary Martin directed a talented and enthusiastic cast of players and musicians who portrayed the true meaning of stewardship of all that God provides for us.

For the next four weeks, our pastors and members of the congregation shared their stewardship experiences with us.

• On September 30^th and October 1^st, the meaning of Prayer in our stewardship lives was the focus.
• Daily Labor, how we share our faith in our workplace, was the emphasis for October 7^th and 8^th.
• On October 14^th and 15^th, our youth shared the extensive and meaningful involvement they have had in Service to others. The weekend coincided with ending the 30 Hour Famine fast that emphasized the needs of people throughout the world.
• Generosity, the theme for our Commitment Weekend, October 21^st and 22^nd, focused on how the mission of this congregation is supported by our sharing of God’s gifts. Planning enables us as a congregation to expand our mission and to be good stewards of God’s manifold grace.

The Ministry Highlights for 2006 describes the extent to which this congregation is grounded in mission. Much planning goes into enabling us to serve. The congregational response to the Stewardship Program provides the Council with a baseline for anticipated funding. On December18^th, the 2007 estimate of giving for the ministry of the congregation was $690,683, a 25 percent increase from last year. Each of us was also provided an opportunity to reduce the debt on our facilities as a way to more directly use our resources for mission. Commitment to Debt Reduction was $128,849, a 10 percent increase from last year.

Stewardship is a year-round venture. Although we primarily present a fall Stewardship program to help budget for the coming year, stewardship is with us at all times and takes many forms.

Memorials and Gifts

Over the years, Good Shepherd has received a number of memorials and gifts, typically designated for a specific use or project. The steeple, a piano, a sound system, several choir loft chairs – all are examples of memorials/gifts which have been given by members, often in remembrance of family members.   This is a wonderful way to provide for items for the church to enhance worship and education.

During 2006,$5,962was expended for the congregation through Memorial gifts.   There is $11,547 remaining in 14 designated memorial accounts.

Simply Giving©

This automated giving program from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is designed to help you conveniently and consistently contribute to a Lutheran congregation or institution.   See the Good Shepherd website Stewardship Section for more details on this opportunity and about Stewardship at Good Shepherd.

“Walk with Jesus”

This is the theme of the fall Stewardship ELCA program selected by the Stewardship team for October 2007. This program had us thinking about our walk with Jesus and especially about how our use of the financial resources God has entrusted to us is an important part of the walk.   Bible passages studied included Matthew 6:24, where Jesus says ”You cannot serve God and wealth” and Luke 18, the story of the rich ruler who Jesus asked to sell his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him, and the ruler finds he is unable to do that.

A quote from some of the material is as follows:

”When you imagine someone taking a walk with Jesus, you probably think of his first disciples, heading up and down the hills with Jesus-walking, talking and mostly listening.   Certainly those early followers did walk with Jesus.   Just as certainly each follower of Jesus today is on a walk with Jesus.   Each day of your life is a walk with Jesus.   Some days you may feel like he is walking right beside you.   Other days you may feel like he is walking at quite a distance.   Regardless of how you feel, Jesus is walking with you, and you are walking with Jesus.

An important part of this daily walk with Jesus is how you use the money God has entrusted to you. This is such an important part of the walk that Jesus talked with his first disciples more about money and possessions than about any other topic, except for the kingdom of God itself.   Since money was so important on Jesus’ walk, it needs to be an important part of our walk with Jesus.”

The themes of the four Sundays in October, were Walk with Jesus, Listen to Jesus Teach, Give Generously and Commit

Endowment Fund

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Endowment Fund was established in the fall of 2005 with funds donated by Blanche Haarstick, a long-time member, who passed away in 2004. The purpose of the fund is to provide a means to share special gifts that will provide long-lasting and enduring benefits to the mission and ministry of the church. The funds, unless specified by the donor, are to be used for needs not covered by the general budget.

On Nov. 6, 2005, by-laws to the constitution were approved by the congregation establishing a Committee and providing guidelines to carry out the activities of the Fund.

In June 06, the congregation elected seven members to the committee:

The committee has worked through the mechanics necessary to carry out the various duties assigned. The following is a summary of some of the results to date:

• A financial reporting summary has been completed and is reported monthly.
• An Endowment Fund Brochure has been written and published and is available at the Welcome Center and was placed in each member’s mail box.
• An Endowment Fund application, to be used by members to request funds, is approved and completed and is available to members for use.
• Investment policy guidelines were developed to meet the policy requirements set out in the by-laws. The $400M+ in funds in the Endowment Fund, have been invested primarily in C.D.s and money market funds until a long-term investment fund was selected.
• The Committee selected the ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust-Fund A as the primary investment vehicle for long term investments.

We encourage members to consider the Endowment Fund in their own estate planning as it is the intent to grow this fund.   Please contact any of the committee with questions.