Sharing Our legacy

LWR—Nepal Disaster Relief

Over the years, with gifts large and small, people have remembered loved ones with contributions to our Mission Trust Fund. This fund has grown from around $50k fifteen years ago to over $200k today. With each saint remembered through a gift to the fund, the collective legacy of those we remember has grown. 

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This fund is a perpetual fund, meaning that the gifts held in the trust produce income that provides grants and scholarships as long as the fund exists. The fund cannot be used for general expenses and gifts are pooled so that all the gifts accumulate to provide more impact as time passes. 

Each year, the Mission Trust Memorial Committee sets a disbursement rate guided by investment performance. That percentage of the Trust Fund balance is withdrawn and shared in ways that advance our mission and the legacy of the Communion of Saints.

This year, we will distribute 4% of the balance, approximately $8k. The Mission Trust Committee has recommended grants according to the bylaws, which the Council has approved. This year, we will grant:

• 10% of the total amount distributed will be given as additional mission support to the Southeastern Iowa Synod. 
• 30% of the total amount distributed shall be given to establish and support programs beyond the congregation's ministries which advance the mission of the congregation in the community and the world: 10% to Women at the Well; 10% to Hope Ministries; 10% to Freestore.
• 40% of the total amount distributed shall be given to further partnerships in mission through the Synodical, Regional, and Churchwide expressions of the ELCA: 20% to Global Missionary we sponsor; 20% to Lutheran World Relief Disaster Support.
• 20% of the total amount distributed shall provide scholarships and be given to the ELCA Fund for Leaders, which supports seminarians. 

The advantage of giving to this fund is that it is a gift that does not give out or break. It truly leaves a legacy that will continue to honor Christ and give glory to God long after other things are replaced or worn out. Even if the congregation one day closes, provisions are in place for the fund to continue to have an impact. The tangible effects of the gifts are in the lives touched and the love shared in the community and around the world as we share the legacy of the saints. 

You can contribute to the fund at any time. You can also remember the congregation in our estate plan by planning a legacy gift. 


Pax Christi, 
Timothy Olson
​Lead Pastor