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From the Open Files of:

NW Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center (715) 833-1153

Contributed by:

First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI

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Thank you for considering the ministries of First Lutheran Church as the recipient of a special gift. It is through special gifts such as yours that we are able to supplement our current ministry with excellent resources for various needs. The listings in the "Idea Booklet" are extra-budgetary items and, therefore, are dependent upon special gifts. The Congregation Council and staff of First Lutheran have identified these items listed within. We are confident you will find something that will interest you as you make a special gift or memorial.

God has certainly blessed us. Thank you for your generosity and support of the Lord's church.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Duane Pederson

First Lutheran Church
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
832-8321
www.First-Lutheran.org

 

Special Gift Information

What is a special gift list?

The items listed in this booklet are not included in the regular budget of the church or capital improvement plan. Therefore, the church is dependent upon special gifts to obtain most of the items.

Who develops the list?

The special needs list is compiled by the staff, committees, and Council of the church. They carefully identify items that would improve their respective areas of responsibility and ministry.

What if I cannot give the entire amount needed for an item that I'd like to see obtained for the church?

Because of the bookkeeping problems in receiving partial amounts, donors need to cover the entire cost of listed items. Hopefully, a variety of costs for various items make giving special gifts accessible to everyone. However, if more than one of the same item is needed (ex: eight acolyte robes), you may provide a gift to cover the cost of just one (ex: one acolyte robe).

Can I simply purchase a listed item and give it to the church?

No. Those assembling the special needs list have done research to determine precisely what is needed. For example, the secretaries have a specific paper cutter selected that will meet the needs of the office; thus, a donation of a different cutter would not be helpful to the church.

How do I know my gift will be used according to my wishes?

It is the policy of First Lutheran Church to always honor the donor's intent for all designated gifts for approved special needs. All special gifts will be acknowledged in the "First Word," the newsletter of the congregation.

Thank you for providing
important support to First Lutheran Church
through a special memorial or gift.

 

Facilities and Grounds

Two Exterior Parking Lot Lights

The handicapped parking area next to the church is much too dark. To properly light the space and have aesthetics that match the neighborhood, two lamp poles like those throughout the neighborhood are planned.

$1300

New Florescent Light Covers in Assembly (57)

The old covers are yellow and unattractive. The new covers will greatly brighten the Assembly.

$8 each

Stain Glass Windows for Chapel (8)

Research is underway to determine design, installation, lighting, and total cost of a set of windows. Watch for further information. These will be a major opportunity for a memorial gift that will last for generations to come

Approximately $15,000 each

Office

Large Office Paper Cutter

This is a heavy-duty wood/metal cutter. The old one wore out

$250

Paper Folding Machine

The church folds thousands of bulletins, newsletters, and special mailings every year. The old folder is nearing its end.

$2,500

Computers/Software (2)

Many of the office computers in the church are old enough that they are unable to run current software. We have many computer problems because of the need to upgrade.

$2,000 each

Scanner

High quality scanner for newsletters and multimedia

$220

Kitchen

Round Tablecloths for Assembly

These lightweight tablecloths need to be replaced from time to time. They are used frequently at First Lutheran.

$10 each

Christian Education

Bibles for Sunday School (60)

New Revised Standard Version Bibles (the translation we use in worship are needed throughout the Sunday School.)

$13.50 each

Games for Sunday School Openings

$75

Sunday School Supplies

$80

CD/Cassette Players for Sunday School Openings (7)

$50 each

Christian CD/Cassettes for Sunday School (10)

$10 each

Headsets for Sunday School Computers (12)

$15 each

White Board for Assembly

This would replace the chalkboard. It is a 4' x 8' board that utilizes colored markers for writing.

$400

Folding Panel Tabletop Display

This felt backed display will be used to post information and pictures in an attractive manner. It will often be set up near the Lounge entrance where many will see what is posted on it.

$825

Library Resources

Books

The Book of Concord (new edition)

$52

Christian Education Computer Resources

These software packages will assist with learning activities for Sunday School and Confirmation but will be made accessible to all through the Library.

Martin Luther: Exploring His Life and Time, CD-ROM
Life of Christ, CD-ROM
Pathways Through Jerusalem, CD-ROM

 

 

 

$45
$45
$65

Worship, Music and Arts

ToneChimes Handbells

This three octave handbell set is especially made for children &endash; durable! Our children and youth will be introduced to handbells for worship, learning activities, Music Camp, etc. if we secure this handbell set. $400 has already been given; $1000 more will make it possible to secure the handbells for children

$1400

Acolyte Robes (10)

Our robes are somewhat worn and we do not have enough sizes to accommodate the variety of sizes of our youth. These robes add a sense of dignity and visual beauty to the service of the young people.

$100 each

Other Funds

Pew Pad Fund (at the time of this printing, about $1500 more is needed to pad all the pews in the sanctuary).

Contemporary Worship Fund (provides for repair and upgrades of sound equipment)

Organ Fund (helps maintain our majestic organ)

Mission and Benevolence Giving

In your giving, you might wish to support a cause that is endorsed by First Lutheran Church. The organizations and causes that follow are ministries that our congregation remembers in prayer and assists financially, and in some cases, provides volunteers.

To make a mission gift, make your check payable to "First Lutheran Church" and carefully designate which ministry you wish to support. Unless otherwise noted, gifts of any amount are appreciated. Thank you!

Tanzania Medical Mission

Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson and their family live in Arusha, Tanzania, where Dr. Jacobson directs Selian Lutheran Hospital. This complex serves the extreme poor and provides medical care for a vast region of Tanzania.

Luther Park Bible Camp

As part owners of Luther Park, First Lutheran supports camping ministry for not only for youth summer camp, but for a wide array of camp programs for all ages. Luther Park is located just outside of Chetek, Wisconsin.

Dale Rasmussen Youth Fund

This fund, set up in memory of Pastor Dale Rasmussen, provides financial assistance for children and youth to attend Bible Camp and for teenagers to offset some of the cost of summer trips. These scholarships help all children and youth to fully participate even if financial means are limited.

Global Mission Event Youth Scholarship

The annual Global Mission Events showcase the vast work of the church around the world. The events are learning experiences where participants grow in their understanding of mission and become enthused about the service we do in the name of Christ. Contributions will assist students attend this faith-inspiring gathering. $100 for one scholarship

Good News Jail Ministry

The Word of God has the power to change lives! Gifts help provide Bibles for inmates at the Eau Claire County Jail. $60/case of 24 Bibles

Interfaith Hospitality Network

First Lutheran has supported this important homeless ministry since its inception in Eau Claire. We provide funds and volunteers at The Beacon House, a facility where the homeless can stay while they seek employment, housing.

Community Table

First Lutheran serves meals to the poor in our community. Gifts to Community Table will be used to purchase food that is prepared and served by volunteers.

Feed My People Food Bank

First Lutheran was instrumental in starting this food bank that provides food to various food pantries throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Thousands of pounds of food each year is received through donations and purchases and distributed to area food pantries.

Habitat for Humanity

First Lutheran is a covenant congregation with H4H in providing volunteers and funds for home building. There is always a home being built in our area through Habitat.

Radio Fund

First Lutheran's worship is broadcast on WEAQ 1150 AM, each Sunday morning at 10:30. This broadcast allows our homebound members to stay in touch with the congregation and serves as an outreach into the community.

Love Fund

This is an emergency assistance fund for those who find themselves in trouble. Common uses include: food, gas, housing, prescriptions, bus tickets, etc.

Lutheran World Relief

This agency of the Lutheran church works in most corners of the world with the poor. Emphasis is placed on agricultural development, water systems, housing, education, etc. LWR responds to disasters that happen around the world.

Habitat-4-Humanity

This worldwide, ecumenical ministry works with low income people to finance and build homes. Those receiving the homes work along with volunteers so that they have "sweat-equity" in their residence.

Revised 1-15-02


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