Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Rooted and Ready
Capital Campaign, Fall 2025
Q: What is the purpose of the Rooted and Ready Capital Campaign?
A: In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God… built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:19, 22). This image of being rooted in Christ and joined together as one body inspires our congregation’s next faithful step. As a congregation, we are rooted in faith, tradition, and community—and ready to invest in the future God is calling us toward. While we continue discerning our long-term direction as a church community, we recognize the importance of addressing immediate and essential building needs. This campaign is an act of faithful stewardship: caring for the physical space God has entrusted to us, even as we remain open to new possibilities for ministry. With deep gratitude we have a lead gift of $100,000 from the Bethlehem Foundation to inspire the financial goals of this 3-year campaign.
Q: What is the financial goal of Rooted and Ready?
A: Our Primary Goal is to receive gifts and commitments for Rooted and Ready of $385,000 over a three-year giving period. Our Challenge Goal is an additional $215,000. Total, including the Challenge Goal = $600,000.
Primary GOAL
Gifts to Rooted and Ready will be used in the following ways:
1. New South Entrance – $130,000
Creating an inviting and accessible pathway into our church, extending Christ’s welcome to all who come through our doors. Currently, our south door entrance leaks when it rains. Major work to this entrance will require the stain glass window being moved to another location in the main entrance of the sanctuary. In addition, the building of a vestibule to provide greater weatherization and temperature control and security for our church home.
2. Brick Tuckpointing/Outdoor Maintenance – $125,000
Preserving the strength and stability of our structure by repairing its brickwork, outside maintenance concrete and landscaping— protecting the space where we gather, serve, and grow.
3. Sanctuary AV and Lighting Updates – $30,000
Enhancing worship through improved sound and video and expanding our digital reach so all may hear and see the Good News.
4. Strategic Building Fund – $100,000
Establishing a forward-looking fund for responsible upkeep, ensuring our building remains a vibrant and sacred place for as long as we are called to be here.
We invite you to join in this effort—through prayer, generosity, and commitment. Rooted in God’s love and built together in Christ, we are ready to serve, ready to grow, ready to be a living witness to God’s presence in our world, and we remain ready for whatever lies ahead.
Primary Goal Total = $385,000
CHALLENGE GOAL
Once the Primary Goal has been met, our Challenge Goal of $600,000 (an additional $215,000) will be used in the following ways:
- 50% additional to the Strategic Building Fund In 2016, the “Beyond the Building” Campaign raised extra funds to support building needs. Once again, we seek to establish a significant reserve to help with exterior brick repair and sealing, repairs to carpeting and furnishings as needed, replacement of lower-level windows, landscaping on the east side of the building to help resolve moisture in the lower level of the building, and other unforeseen repairs.
- 25% to a Worship Engagement Fund Worship is central to who we are at Bethlehem and this fund supports opportunities to experience worship in new ways, sustain current music and technology staffing, and provide the Church Council the resources to consider a new part-time staff position to increase participation and vitality of worship as we praise God and are inspired to follow Jesus.
- 15% to PioneerCare’s “Securing the Future” Capital Campaign. Bethlehem has a historic connection with PioneerCare and was one of the founding churches of this ministry in 1928. PioneerCare provides quality care for seniors in our community, and many Bethlehem members are current and past residents. Through “Securing the Future”, enhancements will be made to the Care Center to improve spaces for residents and qualify PioneerCare for a higher reimbursement rate from the state of Minnesota, ensuring the future of long-term care in our community.
- 10% to the NWMN Synod’s “Rooted and Rising” campaign. Our synod’s “Rooted and Rising” campaign seeks to revitalize congregations and raise up Spirit-led leaders right here in NWMN. Bethlehem has a history of sustained benevolence to our synod that has helped the congregations of Northwestern Minnesota focus on the Good News of Jesus Christ through changing times.
Q: Will we be encouraged to make a commitment?
A: Yes, everyone will be asked to make a commitment to the three-year giving phase of the program. Keep in mind, commitments to Rooted and Ready are ‘above and beyond’ our giving to the General Fund. Planned giving has proven to be an excellent discipline for individuals and congregations. Planned giving helps individuals live up to their best intentions and congregations can plan their life and mission realistically and responsibly. Making a commitment like this will be new to some of you. We encourage you to give it a try.
Q: How much are we expected to give?
A: Individuals and families determine the amount that is given to Rooted and Ready. Pastor Jon B. Olson, our stewardship partner, will help us reflect on the importance of being good stewards and will guide us as we make our decisions. Together, we can achieve our campaign goal. Your generous response will lead to great benefits for Bethlehem Lutheran as we complete these projects and move forward with renewed energy for the mission of Christ’s church.
Q: Can we give appreciated stock or other property?
A: Yes. Bethlehem Lutheran Church regularly receives gifts of stock. This is also a good time to consider other ways to give from accumulated assets as well as regular income. For example, you might transfer all or part of a paid-up life insurance policy, contribute from an IRA, gift agricultural commodities, or cash in a government bond that has reached maturity. All gifts are tax deductible, in accordance with IRS regulations. Your financial advisor is another valuable resource for this type of planned giving.
Q: When will we be invited to make our commitments?
A: Commitments to Rooted and Ready will be made on Commitment Sunday, October 26, during one joint service at 9:30 a.m. Some will choose to make a one-time gift, while for most of us, commitments to Rooted and Ready are for three years.
Our 2026 Annual Pledges to the General Fund will also be made during worship on October 26. Our General Fund covers expenses such as insurance, utilities, salaries, education materials, supplies, and mission support. Your regular giving to the General Fund allows us to continue to do the things God has called us to do: baptize, preach the good news, officiate weddings, offer pastoral care for those in need, bury our dead, visit those in the hospital and nursing homes, and teach the Christian faith to a new generation. Perhaps consider a 1% increase to your giving this coming year to support all the wonderful ministry taking place through Bethlehem.
Q: How will the program be conducted?
A: Information to help everyone determine their gifts will be provided in many ways. There will be Bible readings, inspirational talks from members, prayer, stewardship sermons, and other opportunities to learn about ways to give. Young and old will be encouraged to participate.