Giving
Faith is a response to what God has done and continues to do for us. As Christians, we believe that forgiveness and eternal life are gifts of grace from God. They are not something we deserve; but rather gifts from a loving God. One way that we respond to these gifts is to make offerings of our financial resources so that this gospel message is taught and preached. Through our offerings, we can make a difference in people’s lives every day!
At First Lutheran, we make two financial promises to support the ministry of Christ’s church.
The First Lutheran General Fund provides the annual financial support for all of the core ministries of the church. The congregation also gives gifts to worthy beneficiaries that provide resources for children’s ministries, bible camping, emergency assistance, overseas missionaries, seminaries, nursing homes, etc.
The Caring Hearts and Hands Appeal is a three-year initiative that provides funding for special FLC Needs and others in our community, regionally and internationally. Caring Hearts and Hands Gifts also seeks to keep the church in optimal condition, add improvements that help our congregation thrive and attract potential new members.
Follow Your Heart Mission Gifts can be designated to one, several or all of the following organizations:
Habitat For Humanity provides housing options for those who normally would not be able to purchase a home. There are a couple of builds going on in Stoughton and will continue through 2023. In addition, Habitat anticipates building more in Stoughton if suitable land is available. It is also possible that there might be a remodeling project that comes available as well.
START, SToughton Area Resource Team assists Stoughton area residents in need through a social worker. Appeal gifts will be used to offer counseling, provide care and meet immediate needs of those in our community who are struggling. As a result, they will also help people “get back on their feet” so that they can provide for themselves and gain more self-respect in the process. Other congregations in Stoughton help fund START as well
Lutherdale Bible Camp inspires youth and adults to learn about Jesus in the great outdoors. The camp has built a new retreat center with financial support from FLC’s prior appeals. Now, our appeal gifts will be used to pay off the mortgage and furnish the center. This will help others experience Lutherdale’s hospitality and grow in their faith for years to come!
Lutheran Services In America coordinates the work of 300 independent Lutheran Health and Human Service organizations in the USA. They serve at least one of every 50 Americans each year through a variety of services to seniors, the disabled, children/youth/families, immigrants and refugees. They also support affordable housing and community development. In Wisconsin, they work with 123 different locations in 57 different cities throughout our state.
Medical Missionaries Dr. Steve and Jodi Swanson serve the poorest of poor in Arusha, Tanzania. Their mission focuses on infants and children. As a lead nurse, Jodi runs a malnutrition center at the Selian Hospital in Arusha. Steve works at the Selian Hospital and the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center providing neo-natal care for babies. For only $500, they can provide surgeries to correct club feet, cleft palates and a many other problems that would not be possible without our appeal gifts. The ambulance donated by FLC in 2015 is used to transport the poor to these medical facilities!