Pastor Steve Writes . . .

Feed the (NEBRASKA) Roots Update

Our Nebraska Synod has a vision for future. The need to nurture the faith of your children and youth is clear. Equally clear is the need to equip church participants and leaders for faithful, effective, and sustainable ministry. For the gospel to be spread across Nebraska and continuing changing lives, we need resources and intentionality.

"Feed the Roots Grow the Forest" is our Nebraska Synod campaign for leadership and youth. The goal of this $7 million dollar vision is to make and nurture disciples with a living and active faith in Nebrask. Over half the funds have already been pledged and are being given. As a result, we've started Operation Idea which has helped young people discern their call to ministry. Seminary visits by Nebraskans are up threefold; seminary enrollments by Nebraskans have doubled. Spiritual directors to nurture faith are being trained and deployed across Nebraska. Lay leadership training and pastoral excellence programs are being offered.

New mission congregations and improvements to camps and campus ministries in Nebraska are part of Feed the Roots, as are spiritual growth and stewardship programs for children. All of the money will be put to work in Nebraska, for Nebraskans.

At the 2009 annual meeting, we pledged $9,333 a year to Feed the Roots for three years. In 2009 individual donations was $3,848.64; the balance was made up with general fund offerings. Council recognized that it had not done enough to promote Feed the Roots, remind us of our pledge and challenge us to meet the pledge. In 2010, we will be inviting representatives from the ministries benefiting from Feed the Roots to visit St. John's and tell stories of the impact of our gifts.

At our annual meeting on January 24, 2010, our commitment to Feed the Roots was reviewed. The congregation voted: • To give to Feed the Roots from what is pledged/designated for Feed the Roots and not make up the difference from the general fund.
• To pay our pledge balance ($18, 666) in the next three years, or less

Here's how you can give specifically to Feed the Roots at St. John's: • On your offering envelopes, write a designated amount to go to Feed the Roots. • Use a pew envelope and write your name and Feed the Roots on it. • Give a check or cash to the special Feed the Roots offerings that will be held throughout the year. • Contact the Campaign Development Team Leader, Jason Gerdes, at 1-888-656-6254, to learn about giving securities or real estate.

You can read all about Feed the Roots in the black-green-blue magazine in the church library or by visiting www.feedtheroots.com

Honestly, the vision of this synod evidenced in Feed the Roots, is one major reason for my wanting to serve in Nebraska Synod. Please join me in nurturing faith in Nebraska.

Pastor Steve

 

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