Creating Abundance

Stewardship Creates Abundance

by Ted Contag
Stewardship Ministry Team

At Bethlehem’s leadership dinner in early October, a colleague of mine, Richard Andersen, Senior Financial Consultant with Thrivent Financial, spoke with us about stewardship. The stories he told and the points he made were so pertinent that the stewardship commission felt they should be shared.

Richard made three main points:

1. Stewardship is a calling,
2. Stewardship requires planning, and
3. Stewardship is generated from gratitude not guilt, and creates abundance not scarcity. He gave a couple of examples of clients with whom he has worked to illustrate his points.

Minnie was a client of Richard’s in her late 80's who is now deceased. She owned her home in south Minneapolis and had only one source of income, her monthly Social Security check in the amount of $695. Her husband died over 50 years ago. Her only child, a son, died of complications from MS over thirty years ago. Her only living relative was an older brother living in Washington state. During her lifetime she saved over $100,000 from her social security income that was all gifted to Community Emergency Service and her local church at her death. It was through planning that she was able to create abundance.

Many people would like to give more to charity to express their gratitude for all the gifts they have been given. However, the one thing that keeps them from giving is fear, fear that there will not be enough to go around if they give it away. Richard shared a story about Ed and Shirley who, through planning, were able to create abundance.

Ed and Shirley inherited $512,000 in assets. Had they sold those assets, they would have had to pay capital gains tax and been left with substantially less for themselves and for their children. Instead, they gifted those dollars into a charitable trust with The Lutheran Community Foundation. Ed and Shirley receive an annual income from the Foundation of $43,000 for the rest of their lives. At their death, four charities (including their local congregation) benefit from the underlying principle. To leave an inheritance to their two daughters, they purchased $512,000 of life insurance. $25,000 of the $43,000 is used to fund the insurance policy, leaving them a net income stream of $18,000.

The results of Ed and Shirley’s planning is as follows:

They avoid the capital gains tax on the inheritance. They receive an annual net income stream of $18,000 for their own use. As a result of the gift they get a substantial tax deduction that can be spread out over six years. Most importantly to Ed and Shirley, at their death, they leave tax-free gifts of $512,000 to the institutions they love and $512,000 to their daughters. Finally, they have not exposed themselves to additional estate taxes as both the charitable gift and the life insurance is owned outside of their estate.

The motivation for the gifting was Ed and Shirley's gratitude. Because they were willing to give the assets away they created abundance: abundance for themselves, for their children AND for their charities.

The stewardship challenge as I see it is to be able to recognize three things. First, recognize that you are being called to give. Second, learn that good stewardship requires good planning. Seek advice from those who understand ways to leverage your gifts—your pastor, your attorney, your financial consultant. Finally, realize that stewardship is generated from gratitude not guilt, and it creates abundance not scarcity.

Faith Statement

My Faith Is Not a Destination

By Tom Kuder

I don't think I will ever "arrive" at a place where my beliefs, faith and relationship with God are complete - at least not on this Earth. There won't be a graduation ceremony to mark my achievement of a fully developed faith. No sigh of relief at having finished the trip, reached the endpoint, learned all I can learn. 

My faith is a journey.  

Twisting and turning, this journey is all about discovery, acceptance and growth. For instance, I've discovered that it's important to give up control of my life to God in order to really understand God's plan for me. I haven't always accepted this, but when I have, I've been able to let down my guard and allow God's spirit to enter my soul - and my faith has grown as a result. When that happens, the journey gets exciting, but it doesn't end. There's always more to discover about God. More acceptance to learn. More growing along the way. 

Bethlehem is my guide.  

Whenever I go on a vacation trip or visit a new city on business, I get a map. Sometimes I even ask for directions! On my own, I might stumble upon a few places of interest while wandering about. But with the help of others, I learn so much more and find places I never would have found without a guide.  On my personal faith journey, Bethlehem gives me sermons that inspire. Classes that explain. Fellow travelers that share in discovery. Music that delights my soul.  But Bethlehem also challenges me to guide others, to give back what meager faith I have to others who are seeking God. Surprisingly, it is in giving to others that my own faith grows the most. Whether through stewardship, or service or simple hospitality, the act of sharing my faith strengthens my faith. It's a mystery to me, but it works. 

Thank you, Lord, for this continuing journey. Where will you lead us next?

It's Been Awesome

By Jenny Parker, 12th Grade

[Note: If you think good kids just happen, think again. Your giving makes a difference!]

Hi! My name is Jenny, and I’ve been involved in youth activities at Bethlehem since my baptism! But I haven’t often stopped to wonder what makes all our programs for kids possible – or to say thank you. That’s why I’m writing this.

I’ve gotten into so many cool things here, especially since 7th or 8th grade. Wednesday night Confirmation classes, challenging Sunday discussions with Hi League, ski trips, retreats – now that I think of it, there’s always something happening! Lately I’ve been teaching Confirmation kids myself, and getting trained for peer leadership so I can help out on this summer’s youth mission trip. I’ve even branched out into groups outside of church, like Loaves and Fishes, that I discovered through Bethlehem.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from great leaders who are really good examples of strong faith. Pastors Greg and Chris hang out with us some times, and Pastor Rob has been everywhere with us. Rob is incredible, a truly positive influence in my life.

It’s hard to name just one thing that’s most valuable from my experience here. I’ve learned so much about myself, how to reach my personal goals, and how we all form a support community to help each other. And I’ve learned acceptance – of myself, my growing faith, and of others who are searching or growing in different directions.

Like I said, I never thought much about who pays for all this great stuff. I mean, it’s not very visible but obviously there are salaries, trip costs, training materials, even scholarships so every kid who wants to can join in.

I guess it’s our support community – our congregation – that pitches in with money, time, talents and other gifts to make this happen. And I am so grateful! This has been a huge opportunity for me, absolutely awesome! And, it’s been fun!

Thank you, Bethlehem!

Left or Right

 by Judy Thompson,
 Stewardship Ministry Team

I write to you this morning from my little cabin in the woods. I am one of those Minnesotans who always dreamed of having a cabin and fulfilled that dream in a very modest way a couple of years ago.

When I drive up north I prefer taking smaller state roads with less traffic. As I drive, the tensions of the city fall away. Often simultaneously I begin to count my blessings. Although I’ve had intense heartache, I have much for which I am thankful. After going through the long familiar list of the gifts from God which I particularly appreciate (the whole wide world of nature), my thoughts turn to family and friends. How blessed I am. I am loved by God, and by family and friends. They support me and love me for who I am. The long drive to my cabin always seems shorter when I take the opportunity to praise God.

Another joy of driving through the lesser-traveled highways is seeing small communities with little businesses, libraries and churches. Churches up north often use their signboards for messages as well as service time announcements. One time I read: If God is your co-pilot, switch seats. Hmm. Pithy but thought provoking. This time the message at another church caught my eye: Do you give God what is right or what is left? What an interesting thought, which I mused over for several miles.

With all my blessings, do I give back to God what is ‘right?’ I strive towards tithing. But even counting my gifts to other charitable institutions, I know I fall short. I will continue to work on that. One way is to be faithful with my pledge even when I am out of town. I use the automatic contribution through Simply Giving. Although my bank deducts my contributions weekly, I subtract the monthly amount at the beginning of the month to be sure I have set aside the correct amount. I am still working on giving back to God what is “right,

Living Waters

 

Arriving at church with his family, the young boy hesitates. It’s a warm fall day, and the prospect of sitting inside for an hour or more is making him fidgety. A trickle of moisture is already forming in the small of his back, and his legs need to move, somewhere, anywhere. Learning about God is great, but the confines of a Sunday school classroom can be tough when you’re ten years old and growing fast!

Today will be different, though. Today, Sunday school has disappeared and Living Waters has taken its place. Instead of classrooms, there’s an art studio, a computer lab, even a movie theater! Suddenly, the world of faith and biblical teachings takes a shape that even a ten-year-old can appreciate. Living Waters. Other than worship service, perhaps no other program at Bethlehem touches so many people – and not just kids. Adults, too, have found new meaning and fulfillment by volunteering their time and talents, and both adults and kids are richer for it. Where else can you hear a master storyteller spin a tale, or learn the Lord’s Prayer in sign language?

Every week, Living Waters connects the generations in our church family. Without the time and talents of staff and volunteers, and without your financial gifts, this program wouldn’t be possible. Your gifts supplied the initial capital to remodel our education area, and they support an ongoing budget for things like up-to-date curriculum, supplies, teacher training and art materials. They even help pay for popcorn in the movie theater! Every week, your time, talent and money make a difference in children’s spiritual lives. Now, even kids who can’t sit still can focus on God’s promises! Thank you!

Moving & Shaking

God is ‘moving and shaking' in and through our lives, sometimes even in spite of us!

As a recipient of financial assistance from the Bethlehem Foundation through the Adopt-A-Seminarian program at Luther Seminary, I was asked to share a little about myself and how it is that I find myself at Luther Seminary preparing to become a pastor.  I am delighted to do that for several reasons.  This provides me with a great way to say ‘thank you' for your generous giving that has enabled the Bethlehem Foundation to help me with the costs of tuition and books.  It is through this kind of giving that seminary is possible for me.  My husband, Jim, and I are so grateful for this gift!

Secondly, since you are helping to support my endeavor, I think it is important for you to know something about me and my journey to Luther Seminary. Jim and I, along with our three children, have been Bethlehem members for about four years.  During that time, my primary areas of involvement have been Small Group ministry, Moms' Ministry and the Zoom House.  In the spirit of honesty, I would have to say that the initial impetus for becoming more regular in our church attendance was that I felt it was important for our children to be raised in the faith.  That this meant I would also be a more regular churchgoer was secondary.   Over the course of a couple of years, I became increasingly interested in sorting through the many big faith questions I'd had for many years.  Despite having been raised Lutheran and even having a twin sister who is a pastor, I couldn't seem to swallow some of the key Christian concepts.  How on earth could I believe that God became man in Jesus? Could I really believe that Jesus was raised from the dead?

I found Bethlehem to be a place that met me exactly where I was in my faith.  Some key people were willing to take the time to become involved in my journey and to be in dialogue with me even as I questioned the beliefs that are central to what it means to be a Christian!  It was a couple of years ago at a conference that Bethlehem had given me the opportunity to attend where I had what I have come to call the "God attack!"  Each faith journey is unique and ongoing.  Mine includes the "God attack" which completely turned my life around and caused me to see the world in a radically new way. I haven't been the same since and I look forward to learning more about our gracious, persistent, and loving God, and in spending time with people sharing faith stories, walking in our faith journey together, and creatively living out our faith within our families and communities.  As I look back on my life, I see God's hand on me even when, at the time, I couldn't see it.  God is ‘moving and shaking' in and through our lives, sometimes even in spite of us!  One thing I most look forward to in ministry is helping people to see God's presence in the daily-ness of life and growing together in a life-giving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your support and prayers!

In Christ, Dawn Fuglestad

Say Goodbye to Winter

 Dave Dronen, Stewardship Ministry Team

I love it when I can say those words every spring. Yes, I did grow up in Minnesota, and no, I do not like winter. There ...I said it. The changing seasons remind me of my life. Growing up my Dad taught me "you get out of something exactly what you put into it." I can remember times in my life when my faith was on "cruise control." I put the least amount of effort into it and expected great things in return. It took me awhile to figure out that this is not how it works. I doubt that God put me on this earth to sit idly on the sidelines. I noticed a change when I got married and started to come to church on a regular basis. My wife was getting involved in everything and having a ball. I saw the change in her and decided to get in the game. I had no idea how fun it could be to get involved and work together with other Bethlehem members towards common goals. It was as though winter was ending and the sun was coming out. I have seen Bethlehem bring cohesiveness to our family and strengthen our faith.

Getting involved at Bethlehem is easy; doing something about it is the hard part. It is part of human nature to want to leave things as they are and resist change. Winter would love to stay around all year, but spring won't let it. Take that leap of faith and try something new at Bethlehem. It can be anything-a small group, ushering, choir, teaching Sunday school or any other group that may interest you. I think you will be amazed by how it enriches your life. I can see now the more I put into my faith, the more I get out of it. Arizona is not the only place where the sun shines...it shines at Bethlehem too.

The Power of Light

Her smile could light a small city.

His energy lit up the room.

Everyone knows at least one person like that. Someone whose happiness or intensity is so strong, it just leaks out. Someone with The Power of Light.

The Power of Light can transform the world around us. It can overcome terrorism, or simply calm one troubled child. It can lead an entire organization in the right direction, or put one person back on the good path.

The Power of Light can come from many sources. Inner peace. Patriotism. Commitment of purpose. Faith in God. But it has to come from within.

How do you get The Power of Light? Start by energizing your power source. If you focus on what you believe - on your growing faith, on your gratitude for God's incredible gifts - then your light will radiate naturally into the world around you.

This is a good way to approach our traditional Fall stewardship campaign at Bethlehem. Start within, determine what you're passionate about, then act naturally on your convictions. The results may be illuminating!

Let Your Light Shine!

Why I Tithe

By Stephanie Hegland

A while back I was "church-shopping" with my then four-year-old daughter. Although both my former husband and I had been raised Catholic, we'd most recently worshipped at an Episcopal church. After our divorce I didn't feel comfortable returning to where we'd worshipped as a family. Our goal had been to find a religious home that helped us connect with God where we were in our developing faith. However, once I was on my own, my focus changed to finding a church where my daughter could find God in a way that made her feel good about herself.

A friend, whose son attended daycare with my daughter, had recently found Bethlehem in her own family's search for a church home. I mentioned my church-shopping journey to her one day and she suggested I visit Bethlehem. She told me she'd been impressed with the children's ministries and that her son really enjoyed going. She was also pleased that her older son seemed much more comfortable with the confirmation classes at Bethlehem than he had at a previous church.

My daughter started tagging along with her son to Sunday school, while I attended worship with my friend and her husband.  Within weeks we were both hooked, and subsequently went on to officially join. Since our first introduction, my daughter has continued to participate in Sunday school, day camp, vacation bible school and camp kaleidoscope.  The reason I share how I found Bethlehem is because I consider it among one of the many blessings God has bestowed upon me.

A few years ago I joined the stewardship commission. Becoming a member of the church leadership has helped me to reflect and focus more deeply upon my own faith and how God has worked in my life. I began to realize that without the financial generosity of previous and current members, Bethlehem might not have had such a stellar children's ministry, the very ministry that brought us to Bethlehem.

I have learned so much more about how Bethlehem touches the lives of so many each and every day. And that the church's ability to reach out and change lives is a direct result of the many contributions made by its membership. In praising and thanking God for the blessing of Bethlehem's children's ministry, it occurred to me that I have the ability to extend that ministry to touch others by my own contributions. And so, both my daughter and I have begun to tithe regularly. In fact, a portion of her allowance automatically goes into a "charity" piggy bank. My tithing is a bit more high tech, as I have BLC set up as a payee on my online banking system. In this way, my weekly contributions are deposited once a month into the church's bank account.

I feel so blessed to have been led to Bethlehem and to its children's ministry. By regular tithing, I am able to praise God and thank the church for its work in this important ministry and many others.