A New Beginning for
   			Missions  2001	

Dear So-and-So,
	
In just a few weeks, other members of the congregation will be encouraged to make three-year financial commitments to the start of a new Lutheran church.  The total of all the commitments made during the Advance Commitment Phase will be shared with others who will be prayerfully determining their level of support.

You are among those who were invited to be part of the Advance Commitment Phase.  Thank you for attending the March 18th gathering.  You have the opportunity to provide leadership to the other members of First Lutheran Church by modeling strong support for the new Lutheran church.

Therefore, please mail your Commitment Card to the church as soon as possible, or put it in the offering plate next Sunday during worship.  Use the card enclosed and place it in the envelope provided.  Your commitment decision is confidential and will be known only by the bookkeeper of our church who manages the contribution records of the congregation.

First Lutheran Church has been instrumental in establishing three Lutheran congregations in Eau Claire.  We are about to make that number four!  Community growth tells us that this is a critical time to found another congregation in the Chippewa Valley.  First Lutheran will do as it has always done–provide leadership when important mission work is at stake.

Please return your Commitment Card and help inspire other members of the congregation to give generously.  Specific commitments will empower the new congregation to determine how much financial support it can expect from supporting congregations.

							Yours in Christ,

							Duane Pederson, Pastor	

	First Lutheran Church . . . 
		          a community of faith reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ.