Stewardship
Stewardship Campaign, Fall 2022
Stewardship is our faith response to the abundant gifts God has provided to each of us, and how we manage those gifts for the ministry at Our Savior’s Lutheran. In the fall we consider that abundance and prayerfully make plans for our gifts to the church in the coming year. We commit to that plan for giving using a Response Card submitted during worship or by mail to the church office.
“But I will say this to encourage your generosity: the one who plants little harvests little, and the one who plants plenty harvests plenty. Giving grows out of the heart—otherwise, you’ve reluctantly grumbled “yes” because you felt you had to or because you couldn’t say “no,” but this isn’t the way God wants it. For we know that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; translation: The Voice)
On Wednesday, August 23 this year’s stewardship theme was introduced to our council members: Generosity. “Generosity” seems an obvious choice for stewardship. But, what is generosity? Is generosity about money? Time? Talent? Compassion?
St. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: giving grows out of the heart. What does your heart tell you?
On Sunday, September 25 we introduced our stewardship theme as we introduced a monthly Care for Creation program. Generosity & Care for Creation are obvious partners. We hosted an intergenerational Care for Creation activity following worship.
On Sunday, October 2 the sanctuary was transformed, quilts covering pews, kits stacked for shipping to Lutheran World Relief. Worship focused on Generosity around the World.
On Sunday, October 9 we asked the question: Generosity: Who and How?
On Sunday, October 16 we heard a promise: Our help comes from God, allowing us to be generous people.
On Sunday, October 23 generosity was be linked with humility.
Following these Sundays, a letter was sent to all members and friends with a Response Cards along with 3rd Quarter statements to all donors.
On Sunday, November 13 our final focus on generosity will return to our theme verse: “the one who plants plenty will harvest plenty.”
During worship on Sunday, November 13 our final focus on generosity will return to our theme verse: “the one who plants plenty will harvest plenty.” Pledge cards will be received.
Pastor Joanne Richmond
During worship on Sunday, November 13 you will have the opportunity to “respond with generosity” with a commitment looking forward to 2023.
The Response Card for 2023 (below) provides the way to communicate that commitment and to designate areas for your support.
This link provides descriptions of the various funds to which you can contribute.
Letter to Members and Friends Regarding 2022 Stewardship Campaign
The Stewardship of Capitalizing on Corporate Philanthropy
Some businesses have corporate philanthropic programs that you can use to support Our Savior’s. The list below describes several such programs. If you are aware of other similar programs, please contact Lois Losby, Financial Secretary at finance@oursaviorslutheranchurch.net or 608.782.3468 to share the information.
Amazon Smile has the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. When you shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Just search on: “Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse, WI” in the charities search box and select “Our Saviors Evangelical Lutheran Church”, La Crosse, WI. https://smile.amazon.com/
Kwik Trip Rewards
You may designate your rebate checks to go to Our Savior’s by calling 800-305-6666 and requesting the designation. With that designation, the rebate goes up from 10% to 15% on eligible in-store purchases. BUT, only if AT LEAST 5 cardholders designate Our Savior’s. https://www.kwiktrip.com/Savings/Loyalty-Programs/Kwik-Rewards
Thrivent Financial Direct Choice Dollars
Eligible insurance and contracts with Thrivent accrue “Direct Choice Dollars” that can be designated to charities including Our Savior’s. If you would like to make this Our Savior’s designation you may log into your account at https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice/ to do so, or contact your representative. Additional detailed information.