What is the 2005 Growing in Faith Appeal? 

The Appeal is a church-wide effort by the members of Bethlehem to raise the funds needed to make our mortgage payments, assist with Bethlehem’s Ministry Financial Plan (operational expenses), reduce our current debt, and possibly fund renovation projects and/or a WELS mission.

How much money do we hope to raise?

We seek to raise $1 million or more in three-year commitments. 

Raising this amount of money means we will need new financial commitments.  These special three-year commitments will be OVER and ABOVE our regular Sunday offerings to fund our current Ministry Financial Plan.

How did we use the money raised in our 1998 Faith Moves Forward Appeal?

Our 1998 appeal raised $815,000.  These funds were used to purchase land for our Germantown site.  Funds were also used towards construction of the $1.8 million multi-use education/ athletic and worship space in Germantown.

How did we use the money raised in our 2002 Faith Moves Forward Unto Him Appeal?

Our 2002 appeal raised just over $1 million.  These funds are being used to meet our mortgage obligations, and provide seed money to cover our Ministry operating expenses as we grow. Contributions to this 2002 appeal will end March 31, 2005.

How will the money raised in our 2005 Growing in Faith Appeal be used?

The funds raised in this Appeal will be used as follows:

o        $500,000 – to make the mortgage payments for the next three years.

o        $300,000 – to assist with our Ministry operating expenses until unified giving is able to meet the investment we have made in preaching and teaching God’s Word.

o        $200,000 or more – could be used for the following purposes:

§      To prepay on the loan balance as we prepare for the construction of a new sanctuary on the Germantown site in the near future.

§         Necessary renovation projects at our Menomonee Falls campus.

§         Assist with North American Outreach by adopting a WELS mission.

What is our mortgage reduction strategy?

Our current building debt of $1.9 million consists of a 25-year loan with a current interest rate of 4.25% (the maximum interest rate over the next five years is not to exceed 5.75%). Approximately $1.5 million of this debt is related to the construction of the Germantown campus, and $400,000 is related to the 1993 Menomonee Falls building project which consisted of a new gymnasium, classrooms, and church expansion.  The monthly mortgage payment we must make is $11,210.  We are actually paying $13,625, applying the extra $2,410 to the principal.  If we continue with this accelerated payment strategy, the note would be paid in 2018 instead of 2021 (if the current interest were to remain unchanged).  These monthly mortgage payments are not included in the church Ministry Financial Plan (operating budget).  The first $500,000 received in commitments will be used to meet our mortgage obligation for the next three years. 

Reducing the mortgage principal can save us a significant amount of interest in the future.  If we succeed in raising $1 million or more in this Appeal, funds could be used towards prepaying a portion of the loan principal.   Doing this would save us thousands in interest over time, and would reduce the life of our mortgage. 

Why are we taking this approach to debt reduction?

Our Germantown campus was designed to serve our needs for many years.  When the building program was approved, we anticipated the need for subsequent debt reduction appeals.  Keeping the debt payment out of the annual Ministry Financial Plan keeps our ongoing ministries from being “strapped” by debt payments.  We feel that this debt reduction strategy is good stewardship of our church resources.  

In three years, we will reevaluate our financial situation.  At that time, we are likely to ask members to consider renewing their Growing in Faith commitments to continue with an aggressive debt reduction program. 

How can I make my gift to the 2005 Growing in Faith Appeal?

We encourage you to make a three-year commitment to our 2005 Growing in Faith Appeal.  You may fulfill your three-year commitment by making gift installments every week or month using the special Appeal envelopes, or electronically using Thrivent’s Simply Giving program.  Your contributions toward this Appeal begin April 3, 2005.   Gifts may also include an initial cash gift given at the time you make your commitment.

The following giving table may be helpful in planning your gifts.  Here’s how a weekly gift can grow in size over a three-year period:      

My Weekly Gift of:	Amounts to an Annual Gift of:	Amounts to a 3-year Gift of:
$5.00	$260.00	$780.00
10.00	520.00	1,560.00
15.00	780.00	2,340.00
20.00	1,040.00	3,120.00
25.00	1,300.00	3,900.00
30.00	1,560.00	4,680.00
40.00	2,080.00	6,240.00
50.00	2,600.00	7,800.00
70.00	3,640.00	10,920.00
100.00	5,200.00	15,600.00
150.00	7,800.00	23,400.00

You may also have an opportunity to double all or a portion of your gifts through a Matching Gifts program.  Matching Gifts programs are available through Thrivent and with many employers.  Matching Gifts is another way of being a good steward with the Lord’s financial blessings.

May I contribute gifts other than cash? 

Besides cash, you may contribute gifts of property, stock, life insurance with cash value, and other securities.   If you wish to make a gift other than cash, contact Fred Banaszak at 262-255-1679.

How can I help make this Appeal a success?

 •   By prayerfully responding to God's gift of love with your generous gifts.

•  By attending one of our Appeal Gatherings - February 23, 26-27.

•   By returning your commitment card as part of worship on

   COMMITMENT WEEKEND, MARCH 19-20.

•   By praying for the success of our 2005 Growing in Faith

   Appeal and asking God to bless us as we continue to proclaim peace through Jesus.