Stewardship at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Parishioners wonder whether their time, talents and treasures are being applied with good stewardship. They wonder if what they do is important. This meeting is to tell you what is being done and what is needed. Everyone can contribute to our work at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Are You Talented? An artist A musician A caregiver An athlete A writer A poet An Administrator A Leader A Manager A hard worker A Communicator Talents are from God! If you have a talent, we need it in the service of God’s kingdom. That is why you have it. Your taents are important and needed!

What kind of work do you do? Construction Teacher Secretary Scientist Engineer Lawyer Homemaker Computers Author Organizer Everyone works, even if they re retired. You have acquired valuable knowledge and skills and can be a blessing to others because of this. We need these valuable skills and value them. Come help us at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

We need you ! On our committees Property Stewardship Elders Fellowship Education Parish Education Family Ministry Missions and Evangelism Public Relations Worship Youth A small number of people serve on our committees and we need more people, new people, to help with the running of the church. You can make a valuable contribution of your time and talents. We especially need help in the Property Committee, stewardship and missions right now, but all committees could do more if you are there.

We need you ! Sunday School Teacher Choir Praise Service Usher Communion Support Alter Guild Classroom Helper Office Support Property Maintenance Grounds Maintenance Many volunteers are needed at Our Savior’s and each volunteer is important and valued. There is certainly a job for everyone if they will do it. Above are only a few areas where you can serve no matter what your age or background.

Do you have time ? An hour a week A morning or afternoon a week A day a week Several weeks in a row For a special project Part Time Full Time Do you have time? Time is a part of you precious gift of life from our Lord, and that gift is needed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Consider specifically what you can do from the perspective of time and do it!

We need you ! Butterfly Garden Classroom support After School Interest programs (Astronomy, chess, languages, etc.) Office Support (Epistle, Bulletin, Envelopes, Counters) Prayer Lawn Mowing Classroom Painting Property cleanup Above are some of the areas you can contribute even if your available time is limited. These are very important and needed.

Think about it ? Opportunity to joyfully serve Some things only you can do You are a valuable asset Serve others as others serve you It is important that you be part of Our Savior’s Our programs need your support No job is too small or unimportant to the Lord Everyone is needed. What an opportunity to part of life at Our Savior’s, sharing in the burdens and enjoying the benefits of fellowship while doing something necessary and important.

Where does our money come from? This looks like a tremendous amount but it is $100,000 less than hoped for based on previous years. Efforts are in place to raise tuition and fund raising activities are at an all time high (LPGA support for example), but the bulk of support is from your generous gifts in envelopes and plate contributions. This is where support must come from if we are to continue our programs here at Our Savior’s!

Where does our money go? 93% of our expenses are salaries and property support. All other programs are run essentially be volunteers working with professional staff. There is very little give in our budget and we need all the support you can joyfully provide.

What does our facility cost? Our mortgage is currently $21,000 per month with approximately one third paying principle and two thirds interest. We currently owe about $2.7 million and have 17 years remaining on our mortgage. The Board of Directors is re-negotiating our loan to reduce payments to $16,000 per month, but that will extend the loan to 25 years.

Are we paying for our facility? Building Fund contributions are falling off and we no longer have a Thrivent Share coming in. Many who originally committed have left the area or reduced their commitment because of adverse economic conditions which we are all feeling. The shortfall this year is $53,000 which must then come from our operational budget. This is putting a severe and increasing strain on our budget.

Are we missing anything? $90,000 annual Lutheran High Commitment $15,000 Central Illinois Commitment $200,000 Property Repair Reserves $60,000 Summer Bill Reserves We are not meeting our commitment to Lutheran High or Central Illinois District. This has resulted in the elimination of four full time positions at Lutheran High and dipping into limited reserves at Central Illinois District. Because we have no reserves for property emergencies or lower summer giving, we have had to pay penalties for late payment. We are seeking an additional loan to cover emergency repairs, but this is not likely.

How can you help? Consider increasing envelope or plate giving Consider starting or increasing building fund giving Consider starting or increasing mission giving Consider special gifts for targeted needs to the church or school Consider gifts and bequests at major life events (marriage, baptism, birth, death) Be a blessing when blessed Modest increases in giving would be very helpful. Families are experiencing financial stress, but if you can joyfully and sacrificially increase your gifts, it would be put to good use in areas where Our Savior’s have key needs. Your gifts of time, talents and treasures are important and needed.

What is being done? Belt tightening saved $132,000 last year Re-negotiating our mortgage will save $60,000 annually Redeployment and reduction of school personnel Every member stewardship contact program Gifts and Bequests stewardship program Reformulating obligations and support at Lutheran High, cut 4 fulltime positions Using reserves at Central Illinois District Seeking loan for $250,000 in needed repairs Increased focus on priority of programs The Board of directors and the church in general is taking every measure they can to resolve resource challenges during these difficult economic times. Your support is important as they struggle with these challenges.

What is not being done? We are not meeting our obligations to Lutheran High We are not meeting our obligations to Central Illinois district We cannot meet our continuing repair and maintenance needs We cannot support an assistant pastor after our senior pastor is called We cannot pay our bills in a timely fashion over the summer due to lower giving at that time We need major help in these areas!

Pray about it ! No gift is too small or unimportant. Remember the woman with two mites. Small gifts add up. Your gifts are important! God does not need our money, we need to joyfully give. It is our need to be part of God’s Plan in response to his love for us! Our need for time, talents and treasures is real and pressing! You can make a difference! God loves a cheerful giver! We realize that many are giving sacrificially and joyfully and want to help. We want you to know that your gifts of time, talent, and treasures is appreciated and important. You are valued! Your gifts are valued!

ACT! Volunteer your time and talents. Every new volunteer is valued and important. Prayerfully and joyfully consider your financial support. Every gift is needed and important. Now is the time to pray and discuss what you can do with your family. Be blessed to be a blessing!