An Invitation from President Snow
Our generous God invites us by grace into a life reflecting his generosity. From the widow’s mite to the unjust manager, Jesus shared many parables and taught multiple lessons on the issue of generosity. As active lay leaders, my parents were not shy to convey many of those lessons to us as children. After we got married, I learned even more about generosity from my wife. I find incredible joy in generosity.
Congregations that fail to talk about Christian stewardship on a regular basis often find themselves talking about money all year long. Instead of reflecting God’s generosity, sometimes we only talk about stewardship in the context of the annual budget.
Your congregation is invited and encouraged to take part in the 2024 Nebraska District Stewardship Emphasis. We will be utilizing Consecrated Stewards, a stewardship resource of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) that is founded on our Lutheran understanding of biblical stewardship. It uses Scripture to awaken in Christians the Spirit-led, free, and joyous response to the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It aims to raise people to a new level of spiritual commitment, generosity, and annual giving as they steward all of God’s gifts.
Key Elements of Consecrated Stewards include:
- Four weeks of stewardship sermons (with guides) and video-guided Bible study.
- Four weeks of children’s ministry materials for preschool through 12th grade.
- Publicity resources for reaching every member.
- Freedom to use as much or as little of the material as is beneficial to your congregation.
The Nebraska District is pleased to partner with LCEF to make Consecrated Stewards available at a reduced rate of $195 from the normal $495 cost. Though results vary and are not guaranteed, we often see a spirit of generosity resulting in a 15%-35% increase in annual offering commitments.
There is still time for your congregation to be a part of this stewardship emphasis. Your congregation may choose to schedule Consecrated Stewards in fall 2024 or in early 2025. However, your congregation must register for Consecrated Stewards no later than October 1, 2024 to secure the reduced rate through the Nebraska District.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
Nebraska District Stewardship Emphasis
Your congregation is invited and encouraged to take part in the Nebraska District Stewardship Emphasis. We will be utilizing Consecrated Stewards, a stewardship resource of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) that is founded on our Lutheran understanding of biblical stewardship.
Delivery of Materials
Your congregation may choose to receive materials through Basecamp or via an online cloud storage link. Basecamp is web-based project management software which allows for easier communication with the Leadership Team and facilitator, as well as the LCEF team in St. Louis. For a video introduction of Basecamp, please check out THIS LINK.
Cost
The Nebraska District is partnering with LCEF to make Consecrated Stewards available at a reduced rate of $195 from the normal $495 cost. This cost includes access to all of the materials of Consecrated Stewards along with the assistance of a facilitator.
Additional Information
Please see below for additional information regarding Consecrated Stewards, including a summary of leadership team members to be recruited, a sample timeline, and sample resources for the four-week Program Phase.
Sample Sermon, Bible Study, and Children’s Ministry Resources: