Capital Campaign
Our congregation has deeps roots in Decorah. In 1863 Decorah Lutheran Church was founded and our present Church Sanctuary was completed in 1961. The construction cost was $550,000.00 and the mortgage was paid off 11 years later. We are very thankful for the Vision, Faith and Sacrifice of those who established our congregation and built our Church. Now it is our turn to make sure our building is maintained and improved for the next generation. Over the years we have had several Capital Campaigns to maintain the aging structure of our Church building and we will continue to have maintenance needs to address.
This past year at our Congregational annual meeting our Property & Management Committee identified some urgent concerns, such as our leaking roof, skylights and inefficient heating systems. Also we needed to replace the Air Handler units in the Education Wing of the Church as they were original equipment from when it was built. Since the meeting the Riso machine in the office, which prints bulletins and the Spirit, failed and parts to repair it are no longer made.
The skylights have been replaced and a few repairs have been made to the roof, which should last another five years. We did receive $15,000.00 from the insurance company, because of hail damage, for repairs on the roof. For the Church Sanctuary and the Education wing four energy efficient Furnace & Air Conditioner units, as well as two modulating energy efficient boilers, have been installed. A new printer has been purchased and linked to the computer, which greatly improves efficiency.
We have gone forward with the above named projects and currently have a loan of $78,000.00 at 3.9% interest. With this appeal we wish to raise a goal of $220,000 over a 3 year period. This would pay off our current loan and provide another $120,000 for the anticipated roof replacement and $20,000 for any improvements needed or unexpected maintenance cost.
In the past Decorah Lutheran Church has committed to tithe 10% of the pledge made to the Capital Campaign. This motion was not made in regard to this Capital Campaign. Please note that on your Pledge card you will have the opportunity to tithe your pledge. This money will be for Benevolence that will be determined by our Church Council.
Please see enclosed "Capital Campaign Question & Answer Pamphlet" along with a Pledge card to indicate the amount of your financial resources you intend to share.
We hope each of you will participate as you are able, and provide gifts to support our Church.
Only you can decide how much you can give, but we ask that you prayerfully consider what you will be able to Pledge. As a guideline, consider that with about 623 households in Decorah Lutheran Church it will take an average of about $355.00 per household ($118.00 a year for three years) to reach our goal of $220,000.00. Some of us may not be able to manage that much given the current economic conditions, so if you are able to do more than the average it would greatly be appreciated.
Please join our households by returning your "Intention to Share" Pledge card to the Church Office by June 7, 2009.
"An old man was planting a sapling by the side of the road when a stranger stopped and asked "why are you planting a tree at your age? It will be many years before it provides fruit and shade. You may not live to enjoy it." The man replied, "All my life I have enjoyed food and shade provided by those who came before me." As my ancestors planted for me, I plant now for my children and my children's children."
On behalf of the Capital Campaign Committee we extend our sincere thanks.
Tamie Onsager Pastor Tom Pietz
Chairperson
Capital Campaign Members: Bob Usgaard, Ron Stoskopf, Jean Forde, Glen Barth, Dave Sacquitne, Pastor Tom Pietz
“Sharing Christ’s Love” Let us celebrate and honor God for all that He has provided.
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Capital Campaign Committee Update:
“Sharing Christ’s Love” Let us Celebrate and honors God for all that He has provided.
In the past Decorah Lutheran Church has committed to tithe 10% of the Capital Campaign pledges to Benevolences. The motion at the Annual meeting calling for a Capital Campaign did not include a Tithe, so the Capital Campaign Committee decided to give you two options.
Option 1: I wish to Pledge 10% of my Capital Campaign to be designated for Benevolence.
Option 2: I do not wish to Pledge 10% of my Capital Campaign to Benevolence.
On May 12, 2009 Decorah Lutheran Church Council decided that the Benevolence will be split between EWALU for their Capital Campaign and Mashiah AIDS Clinic in Nigeria.
1)EWALU Capital Campaign consists of updating Walnut Lodge & remodeling some cabins and constructing the Senior-Friendly Lodge, so far they have reached $1.4 million but the primary goal is $1.5 million.
2)Mashiah AIDS clinic in Nigera. We support Missionary work by Bayo & Mary Beth Oyebade with our yearly Benevolences but this money will be used directly for the AIDS Clinic as they are still in need of raising $ 85,000.00 to complete the clinic. They are continually dealing with a fluctuating currency exchange, so that creates an erratic situation.
Mashiah Foundation is building a new dedicated clinic with extensive diagnostic capabilities. This is to prepare for the expected massive increase of patient population when they are approved to provide ARVS. This new building will be three winged clinic facility adjacent to Bezer Home which currently houses female AIDS patients. The clinic will house complete diagnostic facilities and laboratories having modern equipment to assess the health of patents regardless of whether they are receiving ARV therapy.
We hope that each one of you will participate in the Capital Campaign if you are able, providing gifts that will support our Church.
If you have any questions in regards to the Capital Campaign please feel free to contact any member of the committee.
Tamie Onsager-Chairperson, Bob Usgaard, Ron Stoskopf, Jean Forde, Dave Sacquitne, Glen Barth, Pastor Tom Pietz