Stories from Congregations | English District LCMS

LCEF Congregational Stories

Hope Lutheran Church, Hastings, MN
Hope Lutheran Church of Hastings, MN. recently moved into a new 12,000 sq. ft. facility on the south edge of Hastings. The move in itself would be noteworthy of a growing congregation; however, how it happened is truly unique and a direct result of the Lord's blessing.

Late July 2007, Building Chairperson Greg Collins received a call from the President of Grace Church. The church had experienced a split in its membership and their four-year-old, 12,000 sq. ft. building, which was situated on six acres of land across the street from the city limits on a busy highway, was just too large for them.

After several years of renting Hope Lutheran had purchased a 2500 sq. ft. building from another church. Though small in size, it served Hope Lutheran until the phone call came from Grace Church.

"What makes this situation unique," said Collins "is that they were very interested in trading buildings with us."

"Our first order of business was to get Dale Lewis, LCEF Vice President, to visit and see what we thought was the offer of a lifetime," said Collins. "Dale and LCEF were very instrumental in making this project happen especially with two buildings involved," he added.

After much work by the Church Council the sale was closed the first week in November allowing the Hope Lutheran congregational family to celebrate Thanksgiving and Advent in the new facility.

Many times the Church Council of Hope wondered aloud how this had come together and especially about the timing with Pastor John Strohschein planning to retire on March 1st. Major building purchases can be very stressful, and adding the uncertain element of calling a new pastor, almost pushed our small congregation to the breaking point.

"Many times we had to remind ourselves that God wouldn't give us more than we could handle and we trusted His guidance to lead us through this purchase and through calling a new pastor," concluded Collins.

The building dedication service was held Sunday, February 10, 2008.

LCMS Rostered Church Worker Loans*
Eligibility: Commissioned or ordained ministers on the LCMS roster with active or emeritus status.

Residential Loans
Purpose: Help church workers with the purchase or refinance of a primary, single-family residence.
Terms: Up to 30 years.

Debt Consolidation Loans
Purpose: Assist church workers by consolidating outstanding loans for credit cards, medical bills, taxes, etc.
Terms: Up to 7 years.

Home Equity Loans+
Purpose: Allow homeowners to borrow funds for tuition, high-interest debt, home improvements, automobile purchases, etc.
Terms: Up to 15 years.

For more information, call an LCEF Information Representative at 1-800-843-5233 or visit the LCEF Web site at www.lcef.org.

*Available to applicants in approved states who meet specific underwriting guidelines.
+The LCEF Home Equity Loan Program currently is available in the following states: AR, CA, CO, IL, KY, MN, MO, NE, ND, OR, SD, and WI.

Daily Devotion

Clueless

Psalm 84

Clueless. Sometimes that’s what I think of Christians in the USA. Clueless concerning our worship relationship with God that is. Check this out:

In Sudan – Especiall Read the rest of this devotion.

Young Family Friendly Registration

Consider using a drive up parking lot registration system as an option for classes that involve parents with young children. Show families you care by eliminating the need for parents to get young...
Read the rest of this idea.