calendar May 13, 2016 in 2016 Assembly, Assembly, Bishop, Bishop messages

Forward Together in Faith: A Doable Goal

From Bishop Burkat’s presentation to the 2016 Assembly:

For a year now, we have used some start up money to begin piloting initiatives for the Forward Together in Faith Campaign. We are confident that together we will equip our clergy and lay leaders with the tools, insights, resources and navigation needed for future Lutheran witness.

You have heard us talk about a $2.5 million goal for this campaign. It is bold. It is hopeful. And yes, it is doable.


This goal will be achieved because we act upon it TOGETHER. As Vice President Tracey Beasley says in our campaign video: “People of God, we got this!”

Bishop

An invitation from Bishop Claire Burkat

I invite all of you TOGETHER to prayerfully consider stepping in and being a part of making this bold initiative to fund our future happen. I am asking individuals and congregations to give. I am asking all rostered leaders to give. And I’m asking you to ask others who will ask others, who will ask others who love this church and look forward to the amazing ministry we can do together.

Be prayerful. Allow your faith story to inform and guide how you should respond to this invitation. Think about your own family and congregation and the six generations that need to be reached through a transforming relationship with Christ. When God becomes a part of these decisions, all things are possible.

Let this possibility take your breath away. Imagine doing something for this campaign that you never thought possible. Look at your capacity and challenge yourselves and your congregations to do something that is outside your box of comfort.


“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
– Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)

Believe it can happen!  One-hundred percent of our deans, synod staff and Synod Council have committed to giving a gift to the Forward Together in Faith Campaign. Thirty congregations are already making plans to bring this BIG ASK to their people. So far we have almost a quarter-million dollars pledged from early supporters – individuals and a few congregations.

We will need $10 and $100 gifts, $10,000 gifts, $100,000 gifts, and everything in between.

As you embrace this invitation remember:

The Holy Spirit is at work here.

Christ is at the center of this vision.

God believes in us.

We got this, people.

And TOGETHER we can make this happen!

 

The Rev. Claire Burkat, bishop