Commitments for 2012 and Build Up Appeal
The Build Up Mortgage Reduction Appeal seeks to build up the ministry of Bethlehem through debt reduction and preserving the facilities of our congregation. It seeks gifts for mortgage principal and building maintenance above & beyond regular, generous support of the congregation’s overall ministry and monthly mortgage.
Goal for the Build Up Appeal
The 2-year goal for the Build Up Appeal is $600,000. This goal includes:
- funds needed to reduce the mortgage principal and interest so the congregation will be debt-free in 10 years or less;
- funds for maintenance and upgrades essential to preserving our building. We now have bids totalling $185,000 to repair the roof and the interior damage caused by the roof leaks. We are thankful the Appeal was already being planned and will help us cover this new expense.
Please Return Commitment Cards
Commitment Cards may be returned in worship, by mail or in person to the Church Office. You can also contact our Director of Operations, Dennis Webster, and leave a confidential voice message (251-8356 x104) or a email hidden; JavaScript is required to indicate your pledge.
Local Food Needs Update
Local Food Needs offerings are divided, 1/3 going to the Catholic Charities Food Shelf, $50-75 to support the monthly Community Meal and the remainder for Coborn’s Gas & Grocery cards.
The Aid for Families in Need Fund allows BLC to help with life-changing expenses, like major car repairs needed to keep a job.
In recent months we have seen increased requests for help from both funds. Use the special “Local Food Needs” offering envelopes or make a note on the memo line of your check to direct your special gift to one of these funds. Thanks!
Give to Thrivent Builds
$40,000 needs to be raised from Lutherans in order for Habitat to receive a Thrivent grant of over $200,000! Bethlehem’s commitment for 2011 was $1,000, thanks to your generosity donations have already surpassed this minimum! Additional gifts are still welcome to help Central MN Habitat reach the $40,000 needed for the grant. To make a donation, write a check to Bethlehem and note “Habitat” in the memo line.