What is the Rebuilding Grace Appeal?
Rebuilding Grace is an opportunity to connect with one another. It is a time for us to consider how we can participate more fully in God’s mission in and through Grace Lutheran Church and receive your feedback and ideas for our ministry. As we prayerfully prepare to make our financial commitments to Rebuilding Grace, we need to ask ourselves several questions:
- What dreams and hopes do we want to pass on to the next generation?
- How do we want to make a difference for Christ in the world through our congregation?
- How do we see God at work in the Rebuilding Grace Appeal?
What commitments are we asking you to consider through the Rebuilding Grace Appeal?
Rebuilding Grace is ONE stewardship appeal with TWO commitments:
- The 1st response is to make a one-year annual financial stewardship commitment to support the day-to-day ministries of Grace for 2012.
- The 2nd response is to make a three-year pledge over and above our stewardship commitment to support the Rebuilding Grace Building Fund.
What is included in the Rebuilding Grace building plan and how much will it cost?
The plan is to rebuild Grace Lutheran Church to create a more inviting and functional facility for our congregation and its mission. The proposed projects include:
- Update kitchen to commercial use standards
- Improve Founders Hall and gymnasium
- Provide a secure Pre-School in the lower level and upgrade offices and nursery on the 2nd level
- Remodel and expand the restroom capacity
- Install new boiler and upgrade mechanicals to meet current energy standards
- Redesign and expand our youth space
- Increase natural light by expanding windows to original size
- Update signage and landscaping
The cost of completing all of the above projects is estimated to be 2.0 – 2.5 million dollars.
What are the next steps in Rebuilding Grace?
The Church Council will make recommendations to the congregation concerning the proposed projects following the conclusion of the Rebuilding Grace Appeal. The scope and priorities of the projects will be based upon the results of the appeal and will be brought to the congregation for approval in 2012.
When will I/we receive our Rebuilding Grace information and commitment materials?
Every member and friend of Grace will receive an opportunity to visit briefly with one of our steward visitors. You will receive a Rebuilding Grace Appeal Packet at that time. The packet will include more information about Rebuilding Grace, a ministry survey about Grace, and commitment materials.
When and where will this visit take place?
One of our steward visitors will contact you in mid-October to set up
a time/place to connect with you. Visits are scheduled to take place between October 23 and November 11, either in your home, at church, or even at a coffee shop.
Is it important to make a written commitment?
Yes! Completing both commitments is important because written commitments will help us determine the level of support for our ministry in 2012 as well as what funds are available for the Rebuilding Grace building projects.
How can I plan my pledge to the Rebuilding Grace Appeal?
The following giving table may be helpful in planning for your Rebuilding Grace commitment. It shows what a weekly pledge will provide over a three-year giving period.
Please take time to study this guide. Choose the level of giving to Rebuilding Grace that is most comfortable for you. Then, look at the next higher level. Find the level that advances your giving from comfortable to challenging! Ask God’s guidance in your giving decision.
| My Weekly Rebuilding Grace Pledge of: | Amounts to an Annual Pledge of: | Amounts to a 3-year Pledge of: |
| $1,000 | $52,000 | $156,000 |
| $500 | $26,000 | $78,000 |
| $250 | $13,000 | $39,000 |
| $150 | $7,800 | $23,400 |
| $100 | $5,200 | $15,600 |
| $70 | $3,640 | $10,920 |
| $50 | $2,600 | $7,800 |
| $40 | $2,080 | $6,240 |
| $30 | $1,560 | $4,680 |
| $25 | $1,300 | $3,900 |
| $20 | $1,040 | $3,120 |
| $15 | $780 | $2,340 |
| $10 | $520 | $1,560 |
What if I have to change my pledge?
Pledges are intentions made on your best knowledge and prayerful consideration at the time you make your commitment. When unforeseen circumstances occur, your intentions may need to be adjusted. A pledge is not a legally binding contract.
When do commitments begin?
Both Rebuilding Grace commitments begin on the first Sunday in January 2012.
Are there ways to contribute other than, or in addition to, making a three-year commitment?
Yes. There are many ways of giving creatively and some of these have the potential of tax savings. The methods of creative giving that people are using include the following: appreciated stock, interest from investments, company stock options, life insurance, gift and charitable trusts, real estate, and gifts in kind. You are encouraged to speak with your tax advisor about creative gift options.
How can I help make Rebuilding Grace a success?
- Pray and believe that, through this Appeal we will fund our ministries, and take a bold step forward towards funding our Rebuilding Grace building plan
- Grow in faith and generosity
- Graciously receive a visit from one of our Steward Visitors
- Commit financially to Rebuilding Grace, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
- Offer your commitments to God on Commitment Sunday, November 20.
Your invitation-to-give
You may ask: “What should I/we consider giving so we can achieve our goals at Grace?” Only God can give you this answer. We can, however, offer some giving challenges that will stretch your faith and help us meet our financial and ministry goals.
You will receive an Invitation-to-Give packet through a personal visit. The packet suggests a variety of giving options that we hope you will prayerfully consider when making your decision.

The leadership of Grace Lutheran Church has challenged themselves and the whole congregation to prayerfully take a step of faith and generously grow our giving. To be successful, it will require a response from across the congregation – from you – both for our annual stewardship response as well as for our Rebuilding Grace Appeal!
We all have the right and the responsibility to make our own decisions. We also know God is at work in our lives, helping us grow in our faith and generosity. Therefore, prayer is essential in making our decisions.
What Are Some Hoped-for Giving Options?
For 2012 Annual Stewardship Response:
All members and friends of Grace are asked to consider increasing their annual regular giving to support the ongoing ministries of Grace Lutheran Church.
For the Rebuilding Grace Appeal:
- Matching Gift A Matching Gift means giving to our Capital Appeal the same amount you give to support the ongoing ministries. For example, if you are currently giving $50 a week ($2,600 a year) to our church’s ministry, would you pray and consider giving an additional $50 a week to the Rebuilding Grace Fund for a three-year commitment total of $7,800?
- Pacesetter Gift We will need some to pray and consider making a pacesetter commitment of $10,000 to $24,999 over the next three years in order to meet our goals
- Major Gift We invite members and friends of Grace to pray and consider making a Major Gift of $25,000 to $250,000 or more over the next three years
We need everyone to generously respond. Let us join together in prayer and ask God, “What do you want to do through me to accomplish your will in and through Grace Lutheran Church?”