Why Give?

There are many reasons that people give to their church.  For some it is a sense of participating in the mission of the congregation.  For others it is a sense of responsibility for the work entrusted to the church.  And for others still it is a sense of thankfulness for the blessing one has received.  At Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, we encourage people to the give to the church into order to grow deeper in their relationship with God through the use of the gifts entrusted to them.

In scripture we read, that when we give freely to God, we also receive freely.   Jesus teaches in Luke 6:38. “Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”   In these words, Jesus reminds us there is a joyous blessing in giving-especially in giving to God.

Worship Witness Serve

God has given each of us gifts and talents that are better when shared.  Maybe you would enjoy participation in the worship service, or maybe you are more geared towards our behind the scenes needs, LOTI can use your help.  Please contact the church office if you are interested in learning and helping.

Mission Opportunities

The Social Outreach Ministry Team heads the coordination of where we concentrate our outreach efforts. Some efforts are more financial in nature, but quite often we help with our time and energy.  Programs where you can contribute include: Monthly Shelter Meals, Annual Paint-a-thon, Feed Our Starving Children, plus many more.  Please contact Diane LaMere if you would like more information on how you can get involved.

Giving Financially / Stewardship

Each year, a Stewardship drive is held (typically in November) to allow members to make a commitment to themselves and to the church.  A written pledge lets church leadership know how to best plan and budget for the upcoming year.  Your pledge is typically used for general operating expenses.  Throughout the year, you will periodically receive reports that let you know how you are doing towards meeting your financial commitment.

Offering Envelopes

Pew envelopes are available for your giving, or to just place a check in the offering plate.   Please contact the church office if you would like your own weekly giving envelopes..

Directed Giving

A typical, undirected contribution goes towards the General Fund which is accounted as a contribution towards your annual pledge.  Sometimes however, you may want to direct your giving towards a specific church need or cause.  Active accounts include:  Organ Fund, Building Fund, General Benevolence, Mission Drives, plus periodic world causes such as Mission Haiti, and natural disaster relief.  Please identify on your offering envelope if you would like to direct your giving to a specific cause.  This amount will not be considered as a contribution towards your annual pledge amount.

Simply Giving

Please consider using the Simply Giving.  This program provides for consistent recurring contributions from your savings, checking, or credit accounts without the need to write checks each week or month.  The preferred accounting selection is a monthly contribution, effective on the 15th of the month. Visit MyVanco.com to register.

Donating Stock

Donating appreciated stock can be a cost-effective way to make a gift to LOTI.  If you itemize on your tax return, you may receive a charitable deduction for the value of your stock and may not have to pay capital gains on the appreciated value.  Please consult your tax adviser to better understand your specific situation.  To arrange a stock donation, please contact the church office or by phone at (612) 377-5095.

Thrivent Choice

Your Thrivent Choice Dollars can be given to LOTI.  Giving back makes an important impact in people’s lives.  Last year alone, Thrivent Financial provided more than $100 million to help congregations, communities and individuals in need. Members who own Thrivent Financial products help make this support possible.

For more information, click here Thrivent Choice.

Endowment

The intention of the Endowment Fund is to promote the long-term financial health and mission of the Church.  The Endowment Fund is managed by Thrivent Financial Services.  We encourage gifts to the fund that will help create a legacy for community outreach, ongoing care, property upkeep, and programs beyond the scope of our annual budget.  Imagine affecting the life of this congregation 50 years from now or more…….

Imagine what might be possible as we work together for the sake of God’s mission in the world……

Please email the church office or by phone at (612) 377-5095 to learn more about the Endowment Fund and how you can contribute.

Planned Gifts

Planned gifts include gifts made to Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church through wills, life insurance, charitable trusts or life-income arrangements. For more information please contact the church office or by phone at (612) 377-5095.