Christus Victor Lutheran Church

As everyone is aware, we are in the midst of a global economic downturn. Members of our congregation have been laid off, some have had their salaries and benefits cut, or are experiencing other financial hardships. At the annual meeting in January we approved a deficit budget of over $26,000 for the whole year, which we could cover through our cash reserves. So far, our TOTAL OFFERINGS for 2009 are down by 10.5%, and we will have used up all of our undesignated cash reserves by mid-June. That leaves us with the task of covering a projected deficit of $53,000 for the rest of 2009, as well as evaluate how to move forward in our mission to “Serve Christ and Community with Faith, Love, and Open Arms” for 2010.

On Tuesday, May 19, the Church Council met to discuss options and develop a plan of action to address this challenge and get the input and involvement of all of the members of Christus Victor. Here is the plan so far

• We will tap the Capital Fund of $25,000 (We will not touch the Building Improvement Loan Funds, nor the Emergency Repair Funds).
• We will be convening Focus Groups throughout the church to help us brainstorm solutions and then implement the best ideas. FIRST FOCUS GROUP is Sunday, June 14, after the 10am service! Meet in the sanctuary.
• All Committees will be instructed to cut where they can, and, come up with creative funding ideas to accomplish their ministry and mission.
• Everyone is encouraged to set up electronic bill paying to stay current in their giving.
• We will go to all of the groups that use the church building to ask for increased donations. (Casa de Oracion has pledged $500 a month, which is 50% of their total offerings!)
• We will tap into unused In/Out funds.
• We will look into alternative fundraising ideas for our benevolence.
• Staff members will take on the janitorial responsibilities, along with CV volunteers.
• We will need to cut staff pay.

The Church has always struggled with the need for money to accomplish its mission and ministry. Very few people in church want to talk about money and giving, whether asking or being asked. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul writes, “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (v. 7). Giving does not come naturally to us for some reason, but it is part of our growth in faith and love of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us; “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (v. 9). Instead of getting caught in negative and anxious thinking, we need to constantly remember all of our blessings that come from God, most especially the gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have” (v. 12), in other words, when we give of our time, our talents, and our treasures with willing hearts, God will bless our gifts. As we together think creatively and passionately about how we can continue to support and grow our ministry and mission through this congregation, God will work through us to find a way and bless our efforts.

Thank you to every one of you who gives your precious time, your amazing talents, and your hard earned treasures to support the many ministries of Christus Victor Lutheran Church. Please contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to help implement.

Yours in Christ,
The Church Council – Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud, Pastor Laura Duffee, John Perendy, Mike Orman, Kathy Wittnebel, Tom McDonald, Steve Nierengarten, Lois Stark, Barb Damlo, Mike Rand, and Bob Matthys