Thank you for considering the ministries of First Lutheran Church as the recipient of a special gift.  It is through special gifts such as yours that we are able to supplement our current ministry with excellent resources for various needs.  The listings in the “Idea Booklet” are extra-budgetary items and, therefore, are dependent upon special gifts.  The Congregation Council and staff of First Lutheran have identified these items listed within. We are confident you will find something that will interest you as you make a special gift or memorial.

God has certainly blessed us.  Thank you for your generosity and support of the Lord’s church.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Duane Pederson

First Lutheran Church
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
832-8321
www.First-Lutheran.org

Special Gift Information

What is a special gift list?
     The items listed in this booklet are not included in the regular budget of the church or capital improvement plan.  Therefore, the church is dependent upon special gifts to obtain most of the items.

Who develops the list?
     The special needs list is compiled by the staff, committees, and Council of the church.  They carefully identify items that would improve their respective areas of responsibility and ministry.

What if I cannot give the entire amount needed for an item that I’d like to see obtained for the church?
     Because of the bookkeeping problems in receiving partial amounts, donors need to cover the entire cost of listed items.  Hopefully, a variety of costs for various items make giving special gifts accessible to everyone.   However, if more than one of the same item is needed (ex: eight acolyte robes), you may provide a gift to cover the cost of just one (ex: one acolyte robe).

Can I simply purchase a listed item and give it to the church?
     No.  Those assembling the special needs list have done research to determine precisely what is needed.  For example, the secretaries have a specific paper cutter selected that will meet the needs of the office; thus, a donation of a different cutter would not be helpful to the church.

How do I know my gift will be used according to my wishes?
     It is the policy of First Lutheran Church to always honor the donor’s  intent for all designated gifts for approved special needs.   All special gifts will be acknowledged in the “First Word,” the newsletter of the congregation.

Thank you for providing
important support to First Lutheran Church
through a special memorial or gift.

Facilities and Grounds

   Two Exterior Parking Lot Lights			                         $1300
          The handicapped parking area next to the church is
          much too dark.  To properly light the space and have
          aesthetics that match the neighborhood, two lamp poles
          like those throughout the neighborhood are planned.
   New Florescent Light Covers in Assembly (57)                                $8 each
          The old covers are yellow and unattractive.  The new
          covers will greatly brighten the Assembly.
   Stain Glass Windows for Chapel (8)	Approximately $15,000 each
          Research is underway to determine design, installation, lighting,
          and total cost of a set of windows.  Watch for further information.
          These will be a major opportunity for a memorial gift that will last
          for generations to come.

Office

   Large Office Paper Cutter	$250
           This is a heavy-duty wood/metal cutter.  The old one wore out.
   Paper Folding Machine	$2,500
           The church folds thousands of bulletins, newsletters, and
           special mailings every year.  The old folder is nearing its end.
   Computers/Software (2)	$2,000  each
           Many of the office computers in the church are old enough
           that they are unable to run current software.  We have many
           computer problems because of the need to upgrade.
   Scanner 
           High quality scanner for newsletters and multimedia                  $220

Kitchen

     Round Tablecloths for Assembly	$10 each
           These lightweight tablecloths need to be replaced from
           time to time.  They are used frequently at First Lutheran.

Christian Education

   Bibles for Sunday School  (60)	$13.50 each
           New Revised Standard Version Bibles (the translation we
           use in worship are needed throughout the Sunday School.)
   Games for Sunday School Openings	$75
   Sunday School Supplies	$80
   CD/Cassette Players for Sunday School Openings (7)	$50 each
   Christian CD/Cassettes for Sunday School (10)	$10 each
   Headsets for Sunday School Computers (12)	$15 each

   White Board for Assembly	$400
            This would replace the chalkboard.  It is a 4’ x 8’ board
            that utilizes colored markers for writing.
   Folding Panel Tabletop Display	   $825
           This felt backed display will be used to post information and
            pictures in an attractive manner.  It will often be set up near
            the Lounge entrance where many will see what is posted on it.

Library Resources

   Books
          The Book of Concord   (new edition)                                                $52
   Christian Education Computer Resources
       These software packages will assist with learning activities
       for Sunday School and Confirmation but will be made
       accessible to all through the Library.
          Martin Luther:  Exploring His Life and Time, CD-ROM	$45
          Life of Christ, CD-ROM	$45
          Pathways Through Jerusalem, CD-ROM	$65

Worship, Music and Arts

   ToneChimes Handbells                                                                       $1400
              This three octave handbell set is especially made for
              children – durable!  Our children and youth will be
              introduced to handbells for worship, learning activities,
              Music Camp, etc. if we secure this handbell set.  $400 has
              already been given; $1000 more will make it possible to
              secure the handbells for children.
   Acolyte Robes (10)	$100 each
               Our robes are somewhat worn and we do not have enough sizes
               to accommodate the variety of sizes of our youth.  These robes
               add a sense of dignity and visual beauty to the service of the
               young people.
 
Other Funds
    Pew Pad Fund   (at the time of this printing, about $1500 more is needed 
              to pad all the pews in the sanctuary).
    Contemporary Worship Fund    (provides for repair and upgrades of sound 
              equipment)
    Organ Fund   (helps maintain our majestic organ)

Mission and Benevolence Giving

In your giving, you might wish to support a cause that is endorsed by First Lutheran Church.  The organizations and causes that follow are ministries that our congregation remembers in prayer and assists financially, and in some cases, provides volunteers.

To make a mission gift, make your check payable to “First Lutheran Church” and carefully designate which ministry you wish to support.  Unless otherwise noted, gifts of any amount are appreciated.   Thank you!

Tanzania Medical Mission
     Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson and their family live in Arusha, Tanzania, where Dr. Jacobson directs Selian Lutheran Hospital.  This complex serves the extreme poor and provides medical care for a vast region of Tanzania.

Luther Park Bible Camp
     As part owners of Luther Park, First Lutheran supports camping ministry for not only for youth summer camp, but for a wide array of camp programs for all ages.  Luther Park is located just outside of Chetek, Wisconsin.

Dale Rasmussen Youth Fund
     This fund, set up in memory of Pastor Dale Rasmussen, provides financial assistance for children and youth to attend Bible Camp and for teenagers to offset some of the cost of summer trips.  These scholarships help all children and youth to fully participate even if financial means are limited.

Global Mission Event Youth Scholarship
     The annual Global Mission Events showcase the vast work of the church around the world.  The events are learning experiences where participants grow in their understanding of mission and become enthused about the service we do in the name of Christ.  Contributions will assist students attend this faith-inspiring gathering.                                                                            $100 for one scholarship

Good News Jail Ministry
     The Word of God has the power to change lives!  Gifts help provide Bibles for inmates at the Eau Claire County Jail.                                     $60/case of 24 Bibles

Interfaith Hospitality Network
     First Lutheran has supported this important homeless ministry since its inception in Eau Claire.  We provide funds and volunteers at The Beacon House, a facility where the homeless can stay while they seek employment, housing.

Community Table
     First Lutheran serves meals to the poor in our community.  Gifts to Community Table will be used to purchase food that is prepared and served by volunteers.

Feed My People Food Bank
     First Lutheran was instrumental in starting this food bank that provides food to various food pantries throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond.  Thousands of pounds of food each year is received through donations and purchases and distributed to area food pantries.

Habitat for Humanity
     First Lutheran is a covenant congregation with H4H in providing volunteers and funds for home building.  There is always a home being built in our area through Habitat.

Radio Fund
     First Lutheran’s worship is broadcast on WEAQ 1150 AM, each Sunday morning at 10:30.  This broadcast allows our homebound members to stay in touch with the congregation and serves as an outreach into the community.

Love Fund
     This is an emergency assistance fund for those who find themselves in trouble.  Common uses include:  food, gas, housing, prescriptions, bus tickets, etc.

Lutheran World Relief
     This agency of the Lutheran church works in most corners of the world with the poor.  Emphasis is placed on agricultural development, water systems, housing, education, etc.  LWR responds to disasters that happen around the world. 

Habitat-4-Humanity
     This world-wide, ecumenical ministry works with low income people to finance and build homes.  Those receiving the homes work along with volunteers so that they have “sweat-equity” in their residence.

                                                                                                         Revised 1-15-02