SERVICES

St. John Lutheran Church is currently situated in the heart of Farmville, Va. The congregation continues to attract new people in worship, particularly from two colleges that are in the area. This growth was the catalyst for members to decide to relocate in order to better serve the community. After much prayer, the congregation decided to relocate to a larger piece of property about a mile outside of town rather than repair and renovate its current worship site. With the assistance of an LCEF loan, construction has started on a new 12,500-square-foot building that will include a sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices, a kitchen, eight classrooms, and large narthex.

The congregation of Holy Cross, Clayton, N.C., is growing into its new church and outreach is impacting lives, said Rev. Bill Beyer, pastor of Holy Cross. “Our worship attendance has more than doubled since we built our facility a little over two years ago. Thanks to the support of LCEF, having a facility has enabled our ministry to grow in several ways,” he said. “In particular, our Open Arms Child-Care Center now accounts for about 25% of our new members. Our center has been a wonderful outreach to our community.”

Participation in ministries that are impacting the community is high. As examples, children and their families made food baskets for local firefighters and police officers who had to work on Thanksgiving and donated generously to two Salvation Army “angel trees” for Christmas. “Neither one of these ministries or outreach opportunities would have happened without our multipurpose worship and child development facility.”

Immanuel Lutheran in Englewood, Colo., took advantage of winning a credit for LCEF services it received during a Rocky Mountain District church workers conference. The congregation ordered a demographic study and a “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” mailing list in order to send our Vacation Bible School invitations. For some, this was the first mailing they had received about a church.

When Hannah, Benjamin, and Seth Meyer obtained their first K.I.D.S. Stamps, they became the third generation to invest in the LCEF ministry. Their parents, Darcy and David Meyer, tell their children that LCEF is a stewardship and ministry tool, as well as a way to invest safely.

Darcy’s parents, Dr. Gary and Nola Treece, of Yakima, Wash., helped her invest in LCEF when she was a child. David’s parents, Rev. Laurence and Ona Meyer introduced him to the program when he attended Emanuel Lutheran School in Hamburg, Minn., and participated in the Minnesota South District’s stamp program. Rev. and Mrs. Meyer say that “there is something special in knowing another generation enjoys preparing for the future and supporting the Lord’s work.”

Moving in January in Indiana weather may not seem appealing, but the congregation of Holy Cross, Indianapolis, Ind., was eager to start using its new school building. Holy Cross members partnered with LCEF for a construction loan, Capital Funding Services for the capital campaign, and a Demographics study. Next school year, Holy Cross will enroll students through the fourth grade, and will add a grade each year until it reaches the eighth grade. Your investment dollars are helping Holy Cross grow its school and outreach ministry!