A core value of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is that our mission and ministry is not just about what happens inside our walls. Mission and ministry happens whenever and wherever God’s people impact the lives of those around us. We do that in the work of the congregation in many and various ways. We also do that in our lives, each serving as faithful disciples of Jesus.
And we do that when we support the work of other organizations that meet human needs around us, and across the world!
Years ago Our Savior’s established its “Mission Endowment Fund.” The Fund receives gifts, including undesignated bequests, and places them in the ELCA Pooled Trust, a professionally managed investment vehicle. The proceeds from the Fund are distributed each year, with 80% reaching outside the congregation, through community organizations and ministries of the ELCA.
Essentially gifts to the Fund are held in perpetuity, but through the earnings of the Fund, these gifts continue to touch lives for years to come! The Fund is a way of proclaiming a legacy of generosity and grace grounded in God’s love for us through Jesus Christ.
Since its inception over ten years ago, the Fund has distributed over $100,000. All the work of the Fund is separate from the regular operation budget of the congregation, and is directed by a special committee elected by the congregation.
In 2016 the fund distribution included:
- La Crosse Area Synod Endowment Fund – Campus Ministry $500
- La Crosse Area Synod Endowment Fund – Seminary Scholarships $300
- La Crosse Area Synod Flood Relief $900
- Salvation Army $1000
- Sunshine on the Trail $120
- La Crosse Warming Center $1000
- New Horizons $1000
- St Clare Health Mission – La Crosse $1500
- Sugar Creek Bible Camp $600
- West Salem High School Jane Doe Fund $250
- ELCA Ministries
Global Barnyard Ministry $200
ELCA Disaster Response $1350
ELCA Well Project $250
ELCA World Hunger $750
ELCA Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service $200 - Our Savior’s Capital Improvements $ 2480
Distributions typically take place in December. The 2017 distribution is expected to approach $12,500.
How can you make a gift to make a difference in our world? The Mission Endowment Fund accepts a variety of gifts.
• Cash – memorializing or honoring someone with a gift of cash, or just a gift “to the glory of God!”
• Bequests – remembering the Fund in estate planning.
• Insurance – naming the Fund as the beneficiary of an insurance policy.
• Real Estate/Personal Property – giving gifts of property.
• Securities – a gift of stock or other securities to the Fund.
• Life Income Agreements – making a gift while maintaining income.
You can learn more about how a particular gift can accomplish your purpose and yet work for you in your situation by contacting Pastor Larry Westfield, Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation, at 262-224-9574 or larry.westfield@elca.org. Pastor Westfield’s work is confidential. Pastor Westfield charges no fee and sells no product – he just helps you figure out what directions to consider with your charitable giving.
As always, consult your attorney or accountant for tax implications and to make sure your giving is the way you want it to be!
But why? Why do all this?
To express the gratitude, love and appreciation toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the work of Jesus accomplished, over many years past and many years to come, through this congregation.
To memorialize loved ones with greater permanence than with a one-time gift.
To recognize a special event such as an anniversary, with a significant and lasting gift.
To expand the ministry of the church.
To contribute to the benevolent opportunities in the life of the congregation, while at the same time taking advantage of available tax benefits.
We invite your support of this ministry through new gifts to the Mission Endowment Fund. Working together we make a big difference year after year!
For more information on the Mission Endowment Fund, contact the church office, or one of the pastors.
