A message from Financial Secretary Doug Ruecker and Pr. Peter | 

It is that time of the year again when at church, we hear the word stewardship. My guess is when most people hear stewardship, they hear, "They want more of my money." Or they hear – time to make a pledge to the church. What are your thoughts and beliefs about stewardship?

A quick internet search came up with this:

Christian Stewardship refers to the responsibility that Christians have in maintaining and using wisely the gifts that God has given them. God wishes human beings to be God's collaborators in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.

We like this. Responsibility: God has given many gifts to us. God expects me to take serious responsibility in using those gifts wisely. Do I multiply these gifts by sharing, or do I consume them only for myself? Collaboration: In my daily activities, am I working with God to create a better world, sharing God's redemptive work, and sanctifying (setting apart) God's gifts for the growth of the Kingdom of God?

As members and supporters of Messiah Lutheran Church, please consider the following challenge in the coming year:

Count your Blessings. Evaluate your well-being and all that God has given you.

• For many, the strong economy and growing stock market have increased their income and/or asset values. Because of these blessings, can you increase your giving?
  
• Count how you use your time. Can you allocate more time to collaborate with God and the work of God's Kingdom?
  
  

Take responsibility to manage (steward) wisely all that you have.

• Evaluate how you manage your health, time, and finances.
  
• Can you improve your stewardship of these gifts?
  

Trust God's promises.

• I am with you always. - Mt 28:20
  
• For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jer.29:11
  

Develop an Action plan.

• Make a 2020 financial pledge to Messiah Congregation using the online form or printing, completing, and returning this paper form in your offering.
  
• Increase my financial giving to Messiah above what I gave last year.
  
• Include Messiah in my will, IRA beneficiary, and/or estate plan.
  
• Spend more time volunteering at Messiah and other organizations.
  
• Join a Messiah book club, prayer team, education class, One Mile Mission.
  
• Invite friends to church and/or to volunteer with you.
  
• Reach out to an ill/hurting neighbor or friend.
  

We encourage you to See What 'Yes' Can Do - Say Yes to God's many blessings by sharing those God-given gifts. 

There are two ways you may make your 2020 financial pledge to the operating fund of Messiah Lutheran congregation.

Pledge Online
Messiah's online form is secure, private, and simple to complete. Click here.

or

Pledge Using the Paper Form
Pledge by printing, completing and returning the 2020 Paper Pledge Form in your weekend offering. To download and print the form, click here. Additional paper pledge forms are available in the church office.

Stewardship and Messiah's Ongoing Capital Campaign
Messiah's See What Yes Can Do, 3-year capital campaign begins year two in 2020. If you wish to Say Yes with a new pledge, or increase your current pledge to the campaign, you may do this through either of the two pledging methods above.

Legacy Giving
If you have questions about how to include Messiah in your estate distribution plan – please reach out to me – Doug Ruecker, Financial Secretary.

• Interested in joining an education class or book club? Contact the church office.
  
• Want to volunteer more at Messiah? Contact a Messiah staff member.
  
  

Stewardship = Responsibility
How will you respond in 2020 to the gifts that God has given to you?

Thank you for your continued support of Messiah Lutheran Church and Preschool. God greatly blesses us. We invite you to participate in being an abundant blessing to others.

Yours in Christ, Doug Ruecker and Peter Braafladt