Click to Download the Discovery Packet (PDF 1.1MB) or the Discovery Brochure (PDF 1.3MB)

WHY ARE WE CONDUCTING A THREE YEAR FUNDING PROGRAM NOW?
We are raising additional money for two reasons: (1) to strengthen current ministries plus gradually implement new ministries that expand our mission and (2) to pay the mortgage payments in 2012, 2013, 2014.

WE HAVE CONDUCTED TWO FUND APPEALS IN THE PAST. HOW IS THE “Discovery!” APPEAL DIFFERENT?
The two previously conducted appeals were both capital appeals and raised money to build our current facility which was dedicated on November 2, 2008. Since 2007 over $2,200,000 has been received for the building enabling us to pay down our long-term debt to 3.45 million and accumulate a sizable restricted building fund. When leaders are assured that money will be available to make debt payments for the next three years, they will use a portion of the reserve fund to pay down the loan principle.

Now the #1 financial challenge is to raise additional money to strengthen current ministries and introduce much needed new ministries in the future. Currently the only dedicated source of support for ministries is the weekly offering plate. Hope is a slightly larger congregation now than it was when it relocated yet support for its annual mission and ministries was less in 2010 than in 2007. We simply must have greater support to strengthen and expand our mission if we are to make full use of our beautiful new facility. For that reason the “Discovery!” Appeal is a vision/mission appeal focusing on how to strengthen current ministries and expand the overall future mission of Hope as well as meet monthly mortgage payments.

WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT VISION – WHY?
Hope is entering into a new era. We are occupying a much larger facility that is designed to accommodate more people and more ministries. We are calling a new Lead Pastor. The more we can identify and communicate our vision, the more likely we will call the right individual. Discovering expanded mission opportunities for our own family, the surrounding community and beyond requires an expanded worker base made up of both paid professionals and an expanded, energized volunteer core. To do this and do it well requires a clear understood and supported vision. According to the 257 people who completed the congregational survey conducted last fall, the most urgent need at Hope is to have a clear picture of Hope’s vision. Vision is the engine that drives every organization whether it be for profit or not-for profit; secular or Christian. For Hope, discerning vision intentional review of scripture, fervent prayer and extensive people input.

IF “Discovery!” IS ALL ABOUT VISION FOR THE FUTURE – WHAT IS OUR VISION?
We are in the process of discerning our vision. The Vision/Mission Team is proposing this Vision Statement, “Connecting Life and Faith.” They are also proposing this Mission statement, “We Welcome All to Discover God at Work in the World.” Much thought, scriptural review and prayer has gone into these statements which will serve as the foundation of who we are and why we are in ministry. Both statements will be brought to the congregation this fall in a variety of ways to gather input.

HOW WILL THIS VISION BE PUT INTO PRACTICE?
Congregational input from last year’s vision/mission assessment interviews and survey resulted in good guidelines for where the congregation endorses strengthening and expanding mission. These are five areas that stood out:

• Enhancement of the music program for the long-term
• Deepening our youth and family ministries
• Exploring the possibilities of early childhood education connected to MSU as an outreach to the community
• Hiring a Coordinator of Volunteers to broaden, equip and deploy our volunteer sector
• Continue to study ways to reach out to our community by welcoming all to discover God
at work in the world

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL GOALS OF THE “Discovery!” APPEAL?
Leadership has approved a 1.5 million dollar base goal for “Discovery!” Reaching this goal means that for every dollar spent on mortgage payments ($734,400 over three years) a matching dollar will be spent on strengthening current ministries and expanding the future mission of Hope.

HOW DOES OUR “Discovery!” COMMITMENT AFFECT OUR ANNUAL GIVING?
It doesn’t! Your “Discovery!” gift is above and beyond your annual support of ongoing mission and ministries. If you cannot support both efforts, please continue to support and increase your regular, ongoing annual giving.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Everyone has to decide for him or herself, but here are some guidelines for you to consider:
• Reflect on your blessings from a generous God and give out of joy and gratitude
• Ask God for direction. Pray and meditate over a period of time and be open to the Spirit
• Be informed by reading all the “Discovery!” materials sent or delivered to you
• Complete all Bible Studies that are part of the materials you receive
• Participate in the many prayer opportunities offered as part of Discovery
• Give until it takes your breath away and you feel joy swelling up in your heart

HOW WILL I BE CONTACTED FOR MY “Discovery!” GIFT?
You will be receiving a Discovery Response Packet on or near Sunday, October 9th in which will be information on how to make your Discovery response. Actual presentation of your Discovery Response Card will take place at either of the Discovery rallies on Sunday, October 16 or on Thursday, October 20th or at a special Discovery worship on Sunday, October 23rd. People who have not indicated a response by October 30th will be contacted by a Hope volunteer as part of the appeal follow-up.

HOW LONG DOES MY “Discovery!” GIFT CONTINUE?
You have up to three-years to complete your gift. The official giving period starts in January of 2012 and continues through December of 2014. Up front giving is encouraged.

MAY I GIVE STOCKS, REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE, OR OTHER GIFTS IN KIND IN ADDITION TO CASH GIFTING?
Absolutely! For many people, appreciated assets or non-cash resources are wise ways to help fund a gift to Hope Lutheran Church. For those 70 years of age and up, there may be special opportunities to give from IRA’s or advancing a portion of one’s estate now rather than through a Will. Our consultant Ann Bailey has expertise in this area and will be teaching a “Creative Giving” seminar on Sunday, October 9th @ 10 am to help spark innovative thinking.

WILL THERE BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGNATE MY “Discovery!” GIFT?
“Discovery!” Gifts will be used at and for Hope Lutheran Church’s mission; however, there may be some instance that a donor wishes his/her gift to be allocated to a certain area of mission or ministry in total or in part. The church council has approved a guideline for accepting such designations and will evaluate each request accordingly.

WHAT IF MY FINANCIAL SITUATION CHANGES OR I MOVE OUT OF THE AREA BEFORE I HAVE COMPLETED GIVING MY GIFT?
We know that circumstances can change. If you find that you wish to increase, decrease, fulfill your commitment early or cancel, please contact the church office for referral to the appropriate person.

IMPORTANT… In addition to a written commitment in support of the “Discovery!” Fund Appeal, people will be asked to make another written commitment of support. This one is to indicate support of the 2012 Annual Ministry Plan. This could be termed as “regular” or “ongoing” giving to support Hope’s mission, ministry, outreach, salaries, building costs, etc for 2012. We are converting the old “budget” into a narrative style Ministry Plan which will be distributed to all people as an enclosure in the Discovery Response Packet on October 9th.