Investing to Thrive: A Call to Generosity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrate the incredible generosity of our congregation as we embark on our "Investing to Thrive" campaign. We have already received commitments totaling $22,000 towards our Level 1 goal of $35,000, which is essential for our immediate needs. Additionally, $2,500 has been pledged towards mortgage buy-down, and another $10,000 will be unlocked if we meet our Level 1 target. This additional $10,000 will be allocated to the most strategic investment as decided by the congregation.
As you leave today, you will receive envelopes containing detailed information about our campaign. Inside, you will find a letter summarizing the skit, a campaign summary with bullet points, and a sustainable operations budget. This budget outlines our financial strategy for 2025, including potential income from a partner using our building and the associated incremental costs. We have done extensive research to ensure that our campaign is not just a short-term fix but a sustainable long-term plan.
Additionally, there is a sheet from the Mission Investment Fund detailing alternative sources of giving outside of a monthly budget. On June 9th, an expert from Thrivent will be available after worship to answer any questions you may have about these alternative sources. Finally, you will find a pledge card with two sections: one for immediate Level 1 contributions needed by the end of the summer and another for future strategic stewardship goals.
We are blessed to have a dedicated team working tirelessly on this campaign. If you have any questions, please reach out to me or any of the team members listed. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generosity as a Catalyst for Growth: The congregation's early commitments of $22,000 towards our $35,000 goal demonstrate the power of collective generosity. This initial giving sets the stage for unlocking an additional $10,000, showing how our combined efforts can lead to significant advancements in our mission. [06:54]
2. Strategic Financial Planning: Our sustainable operations budget for 2025 reflects careful planning and research. By considering potential income from a partner using our building and the associated costs, we ensure that our campaign is not just a temporary solution but a long-term strategy for thriving. [08:02]
3. Alternative Giving Options: The Mission Investment Fund provides alternative sources of giving that can complement traditional monthly contributions. This flexibility allows members to support the campaign in ways that best fit their financial situations, ensuring broader participation. [08:57]
4. Community Involvement and Expertise: The involvement of an expert from Thrivent on June 9th highlights our commitment to providing the congregation with the best possible advice and support. This forum will help members navigate alternative giving options, making informed decisions that benefit both them and the church. [09:48]
5. Team Effort and Transparency: The campaign is backed by a dedicated team that has worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Transparency in our planning and the availability of team members for questions underscore our commitment to a well-thought-out and strategic effort. [09:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:54] - Generosity and Early Commitments
[08:02] - Sustainable Operations Budget
[08:57] - Alternative Giving Options
[09:48] - Team Effort and Transparency
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV): "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
3. Luke 6:38 (NIV): "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, how much has already been committed towards the Level 1 goal of $35,000?
2. What additional amount will be unlocked if the congregation meets the Level 1 target?
3. What are some of the key components included in the envelopes distributed to the congregation?
4. Who will be available on June 9th to answer questions about alternative sources of giving?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the early commitment of $22,000 demonstrate the power of collective generosity within the congregation?
2. In what ways does the sustainable operations budget for 2025 reflect careful and strategic financial planning?
3. How might the alternative giving options provided by the Mission Investment Fund and Thrivent expert help members participate in the campaign?
4. What does the involvement of a dedicated team and the emphasis on transparency say about the church's approach to this campaign?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the impact of collective generosity. How did it affect you and those around you?
2. How can you contribute to the church's sustainable financial planning, even if you are unable to give a large amount immediately?
3. Are there alternative ways you can support the "Investing to Thrive" campaign outside of traditional monthly contributions? What steps can you take to explore these options?
4. How can you make use of the expertise provided by the Thrivent expert on June 9th to make informed decisions about your giving?
5. In what ways can you support the dedicated team working on this campaign, either through volunteering, providing feedback, or other means?
6. How does the concept of giving cheerfully, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, resonate with your personal approach to generosity?
7. What specific actions can you take this week to honor the Lord with your wealth, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:9-10?
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity as a Catalyst for Growth
Generosity is a powerful force that can drive significant change and growth within a community. The early commitments of $22,000 towards the $35,000 goal demonstrate the collective power of giving. This initial generosity not only helps meet immediate needs but also sets the stage for unlocking an additional $10,000. This extra funding will be allocated to the most strategic investment as decided by the congregation, showing how our combined efforts can lead to significant advancements in our mission. The act of giving, when done collectively, can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.
Generosity is not just about the amount given but the spirit in which it is given. It reflects a heart that is willing to invest in the well-being and growth of the community. As we continue to give, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also paving the way for future opportunities and blessings. This campaign is a testament to the power of collective generosity and how it can be a catalyst for growth and transformation. [06:54]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced the impact of collective generosity. How can you contribute to creating such an impact within your community today?
Day 2: Strategic Financial Planning
Strategic financial planning is crucial for the long-term sustainability of any organization. Our sustainable operations budget for 2025 reflects careful planning and research. By considering potential income from a partner using our building and the associated costs, we ensure that our campaign is not just a temporary solution but a long-term strategy for thriving. This approach allows us to address immediate needs while also planning for future growth and stability.
Financial planning involves looking at all possible sources of income and expenses to create a balanced and sustainable budget. It requires foresight and a willingness to make strategic decisions that will benefit the community in the long run. By doing extensive research and planning, we can ensure that our financial strategy is robust and capable of supporting our mission for years to come. [08:02]
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV): "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to create a more strategic and sustainable financial plan for your personal or family finances?
Day 3: Alternative Giving Options
The Mission Investment Fund provides alternative sources of giving that can complement traditional monthly contributions. This flexibility allows members to support the campaign in ways that best fit their financial situations, ensuring broader participation. By offering various giving options, we make it easier for everyone to contribute according to their means and circumstances.
Alternative giving options can include one-time gifts, planned giving, or other creative financial contributions. These options provide additional ways for members to support the campaign without feeling constrained by traditional giving methods. By exploring and utilizing these alternative sources, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of our mission. [08:57]
2 Corinthians 8:12 (ESV): "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."
Reflection: Consider the different ways you can contribute to the campaign beyond traditional monthly giving. What alternative giving option could you explore today?
Day 4: Community Involvement and Expertise
The involvement of an expert from Thrivent on June 9th highlights our commitment to providing the congregation with the best possible advice and support. This forum will help members navigate alternative giving options, making informed decisions that benefit both them and the church. By bringing in experts, we ensure that our community has access to the knowledge and resources needed to make wise financial decisions.
Community involvement and expertise are essential for the success of any campaign. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of experts, we can provide valuable guidance and support to our members. This not only helps individuals make informed decisions but also strengthens the overall financial health of the community. [09:48]
Proverbs 15:22 (ESV): "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Reflection: How can you seek out and utilize expert advice in your own financial planning or other areas of your life?
Day 5: Team Effort and Transparency
The campaign is backed by a dedicated team that has worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Transparency in our planning and the availability of team members for questions underscore our commitment to a well-thought-out and strategic effort. By working together and being open about our plans and progress, we build trust and foster a sense of community.
A successful campaign requires the collective effort of a dedicated team. Transparency in planning and execution helps build trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page. By being open and honest about our goals, challenges, and progress, we create a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community. [09:48]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think about a team or group you are part of. How can you contribute to fostering transparency and collaboration within that team?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Several households have been wonderfully generous. We have a commitment of $22,000 already towards level one. So $22,000 out of the $35,000 has already been committed. In addition, we have a commitment of $2,500 towards mortgage buy-down. And an additional $10,000 that's been committed if the congregation reaches that $35,000 level. So if, as a congregation, we're able to fulfill the needs for our level one giving, our essential spending, then that automatically triggers another $10,000 that will be used toward what the congregation decides is the most strategic investment out of the four categories that we might potentially pursue. So, yeah. Really good start. Really strong start." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We really need to get these essential repairs done by the end of the summer so that we can start working on bringing a partner in. So pledges for what you're able to do for Level 1 and then pledges for what you might be able to do, like if you have your charitable giving for this year is kind of already tapped out, but you can be planning for next year a chance to contribute in that way towards those more strategic stewardship goals that we have." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In case all the C's distracted you and you didn't quite get the message, we do have envelopes for all of our regular attenders that you'll be getting as you head out today that have a whole bunch of information for you. So I'm just going to run through what is in these. You're going to have a letter that lays out everything that was just explained in the skit. You're going to have this campaign summary that's sort of more bullet-pointed, giving you all of the details about the estimates we've already gotten about costs and how we are looking to divide up the requests for funding. And then on the back of that, we have a sustainable operations budget." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This is, we've done a lot of work to look into how do we make sure that this Investing to Thrive campaign actually helps us to thrive. So we've done research on how much we can potentially bring in from a partner who would be using our building, the incremental costs that will be associated with that, and we've put it all together in a budget that looks at, so for next year, 2025, what will our budget look like with a partner? And so you can see the breakdown of all of that. Of course, we don't have a crystal ball. These are all estimates based on our efforts to find informed estimates about what this will actually look like, but it gives you a sense, hopefully, that we really have thought this through. This isn't just kind of a cash grab, but we really are looking at how to be sustainable long-term." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is this sheet here, which is from the Mission Investment Fund, which lays out some of those details about some of the alternative sources of giving that are not part of a monthly budget. If that's something that would be helpful to you, we also are going to be having an expert from Thrivent come in on June 9th and offer a forum after worship to help us think through and especially be available for questions to help think through those alternative sources." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You also have an amazingly involved team of folks who have been working on this tirelessly to make sure this is a really well thought out and strategic effort. So please come talk to me, to Ray Mueller, to Tyler, to Robert, or to George and Cindy if you have questions about this and we'll be happy to answer them. Thanks again." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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