Dear Friends in Faith,

We are entering the long-awaited season of Advent. This year, I am embracing a practice of contemplation and reflection and invite you to join me. In the midst of so much uncertainty and challenge – God has been present, steadfast, and provided for us. God has illuminated the value of relationships, of our faith community, and opened anew the ways we can share love and care for one another.

This year, our generosity in the community has been extravagant with giving away more than $20,000 in Abundance gifts, more than 2,400 pounds of fresh produce to local food shelves and expanding our ministries with homeless neighbors. We adapted to safely gather families to celebrate first communion and hold events like Trunk or Treat. Our care of elders has expanded with more volunteers serving in outreach.

As people of Faith, we have so much for which to be grateful. I am grateful for this community of disciples who continue to support and power the ministry of God in this place. I am grateful for people who step up to share more of their time or give an extra financial gift in response to what God is doing in their lives.

Please consider a Gift of Love now to celebrate God’s work and keep our ministry strong and ready for 2022. Your support gives me hope that we can make an even bigger impact and be ready to live further into our mission next year. You can return your gift in the enclosed envelope or include “Gift of Love” in the memo of your online donation.

You may not know that there is a special tax advantage this year to encourage giving. Previously, charitable contributions could only be deducted if taxpayers itemized their deductions. The CARES Act passed by Congress allows individual taxpayers who don't itemize deductions to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2021 to qualifying organizations, like Faith Lutheran Church. The maximum deduction is increased to $600 for married individuals filing joint returns.

I hope that you will join us for worship (in-person, online for via radio) in this holy season of Advent. Please join me in reflection and contemplative advent by spending time in prayer in the sanctuary, chapel, or Memorial Prayer Garden.   

I give thanks for the generosity of this congregation. I am so humbled by your continued care, creativity, and commitment to the work of the gospel and to following the lead of God’s Spirit among us. As you plan your year-end giving, I hope that you will continue to be a partner in our ministry with a Gift of Love to Faith Lutheran. Together, we offer hope to a world in need of God’s unconditional love and mercy.

Give Your Gift

Advent Peace,

Deacon Nina

Stewardship Team

Britta Dumke

Bill Elmstrom

Joyce Getchell

Brian Hertzberg

Kelty Rome

Jon Siverson