Dear friends of Christ Lutheran,

I believe this is a kairos or God-ordained moment in our church.

While the world is shouting fear, we are stepping forward in faith.

While the world is scurrying around in confusion, we are clarifying

goals and setting strategies to reach the world for Christ. We stand

at a crossroads that will determine the direction for a ministry that

will reach untold numbers of people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ

in years to come.

Since the days of its origins this church has met the challenges

before it. It all began nearly 90 years ago with a group sitting

around the kitchen table working and praying to start a Lutheran

mission in Stump Town. They built their first building during the

Depression. Then came a second building, then a third, then a fourth, then a fifth. Today, we

have made history once again – this time by relocating and building a new building, our sixth!

Certainly, the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9 ring true: “No eye can see, no ear

can hear, no mind can imagine what God has in store for those who love him.”

Decade after decade, Christ Lutheran has taken bold steps to further its mission and reach out with

the love of Christ.

Now I invite you to join us in taking another bold step to reach even further with the hope of our

Savior, Jesus Christ. The plan in this brochure represents lives that will be touched as we lay the

foundation for ministry in the years to come. The appeal, while focused on paying down our debt,

is really about freeing up money for mission and staffing for growth.

I challenge you to imagine the future with me. Imagine a vital growing congregation filled with

people and families who are growing in faith and becoming healers of others. Imagine over 1000

people in worship each week in both traditional and contemporary worship settings. Imagine the

expansion of the Shepherd’s Hand clinic to include a community meal, parenting and marriage

classes, new believer classes, and after school programs.

Imagine dozens of small groups where people are learning the Bible, experiencing Christian

community, learning to pray and serve. Imagine mission teams moving out across our state and

across the world. Imagine us hosting Christian conferences, concerts, and workshops that will

touch thousands of people.

I believe we are prepared to take the bold steps necessary to realize these dreams! One of our

greatest strengths as a congregation is our strong sense of family - everyone contributes; no one is

left out. We are loving and generous. I believe God is calling us to live out these values by

reaching out beyond our imaginations with our giving. And when we do, I believe God will do

things in and through us we could never have imagined!

In Christ,

Pastor John Bent

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No eye can see, no ear can hear, no mind can imagine what God has instore for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Christ Lutheran Church is a community of people who love God and each other! We are focused onChrist, passionate about worship, friendly and accepting, dedicated to mission and outreach, andcommitted to passing on our faith to the next generation.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We, the people of Christ Lutheran ChurchCalled together by the Holy Spirit,

Gifted for ministry and sent into the world,Commit ourselves to joyfully

Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through:Living Worship

Growing FaithServing Fellowship

Sending Saints

We live out our mission statement in many ways including our:• Biblically based and inspiring worship• Radio broadcasts• FISH Children’s ministry• LOGOS Youth ministry• Uplifting music• Coffee cup fellowship• Small groups• Prayer teams• Preschool• Stephen’s ministry• Quilters• Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic• Christ Lutheran Church website• Mission trips to Ecuador• And more

We believe that as we live out this mission as individuals and as a congregation, we will grow tobecome more like Christ and experience the many blessings that God has in store for us.

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The Vision

God has entrusted us with a vision, a way to establish and build His kingdom in the Flathead Valley. This vision centers around two primary emphases: Spiritual Growth and Outreach.

A FAMILY OF FAMILIES - SPIRITUAL GROWTH

While our culture may try to convince us otherwise, disciple growth does not happen in isolation. Thatis why we believe so strongly in small groups. Small groups are the vehicle by which we can best growto become more like Christ. IMAGINE the growth:

• The people of Christ Lutheran Church gathering regularly to study God’s word, share life’s joysand struggles, care for one another, minister together, and welcome the stranger.

• The people of Christ Lutheran Church becoming more like Christ as they learn to live out theirfaith with one another.

• The family of Christ Lutheran Church growing deeper in order to reach many more people withthe love of Christ.

A LIGHTHOUSE OF HEALING AND HOPE - OUTREACH

There is a tremendous opportunity right now to penetrate the Flathead Valley with the Good News ofthe Gospel. The statistics demonstrate this opportunity:

• Between 2009 and 2014 population is expected to grow by 10% (US average of 4.9%)• Faith involvement in the Whitefish area is very low compared to the national average.• Eleven percent of those living within a 15-mile radius of CLC are living below the poverty level.• There is wide-spread concern about issues like divorce, parenting, and neighborhood violence.• Young people today are looking for opportunities to make a difference in the world.

IMAGINE the possibilities: Christ Lutheran Church, a beacon of healing and hope!

• A church bursting at the seams on Monday nightswhere those with hardships receive free medical carefrom an expanded Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic

• A place where those living below the poverty levelcan eat a hot meal

• A training center where many people can attendclasses on marriage or parenting

• A sanctuary where God’s people gather to worshipHim in grace and truth, and where all who enter feelwelcome, safe, and loved.

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The Plan

As we pray and discern what God has in store for Christ Lutheran Church we will generate a three-yearStrategic Ministry Plan.

Our IMAGINE appeal will generate resources to carry out this plan and lay out the foundation by:

• Providing initial funding to call an associate pastor• Providing funding to construct a church in Ecuador• Providing funding to eliminate our $1.7 million

mortgage debt

The Strategic Team will also focus on the “big picture”and gradually unveil the supporting discipleship, outreach,staffing and financial strategies that will equip ChristLutheran Church with the plan and resources to carry outour mission values: Living Worship, Growing Faith,Serving Fellowship, Sending Saints.

A steady course set on this plan will ensure effective mission and ministry resulting in the realization ofGod’s vision for the future of the people of Christ Lutheran Church and for those in our community.

God’s Word On Giving From 2nd Corinthians

GIVING IS PROPORTIONATE TO ONE’S INCOME AND GIFTS WE HAVE RECEIVED.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely ontheir own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Cor. 8:3-4

GIVING INCLUDES THE GIFT OF YOURSELF. IT IS AN ATTITUDE.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us inkeeping with Gods will. 2 Cor. 8:5

GIVING IS THE PROOF OF THE GENUINENESS OF OUR LOVE.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with theearnestness of others. 2 Cor. 8:8

OUR GIVING IS MODELED FOR US IN THE SELFLESS SACRIFICE OF CHRIST.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes hebecame poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9

EFFECTIVE GIVING TAKES PEOPLE WHO ARE READY, PREPARED AND EAGER, FOR STEWARDSHIP.

Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish thework, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according toyour means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, notaccording to what he does not have. 2 Cor. 8:10b-12

GIVING IS A JOINT VENTURE WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST.

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supplywhat you need. Then there will be equality, 2 Cor. 8:14

THE GIVING ASPECT OF FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP IS HONEST AND HONORABLE AMONG

CHRISTIANS AND NEEDS NO “GIMMICKS.”

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes ofmen. 2 Cor. 8:21

GIVING REQUIRES PLANNING AND COMMITMENT.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements forthe generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudginglygiven. 2 Cor. 9:5

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GIVING IS FULL OF PROMISES AND JOY.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously willalso reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantlyor under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toyou, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:6-8

GIVING ENRICHES OUR FAITH. WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND DEMONSTRATE OUR FAITH IN THE

GOSPEL THROUGH OUR GENEROSITY.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through usyour generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not onlysupplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obediencethat accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing withthem and with everyone else. 2 Cor. 9:11-13

PAUL’S MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF CORINTH IS TIMELY TO CHRISTIANS TODAY. SUMMARIZING,

THE “GIVING” ASPECT OF OUR CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS:

• Proportionate to income• Give ourselves to God (attitude)• Proof of our love (genuineness)• Christ’s model of self-sacrifice• Preparation and eagerness• A joint venture• Honest and honorable• Planning and commitment• Full of promises and joy• An enrichment of our faith• Glorifying God by our generosity

REFLECTION: YOU WILL NEVER GIVE ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CHURCH RICH. HOWEVER, YOU WILL

GIVE ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU RICH IN DEEDS, IN SPIRIT, AND IN TRUTH.

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Join us in praying:

Jesus, you have assured me that you will never leave me. Thank you for thatpromise. Enable me now to turn to you in honesty and trust as I explore just whereyour guidance will lead me. When I am anxious, bring me your peace. When Iworry, enable me to take your hand. When I doubt myself and others, give me yourgift of trust. As I explore my role and my response to your invitation to give and toserve, grant me courage and wisdom to act boldly and confidently. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY ARE WE CONDUCTING A CAPITAL APPEAL AT THIS TIME?

Significant resources are needed to service our current debt. While this debt is not placing ChristLutheran Church in a precarious financial position, it does limit our ability to expand our mission. Support generated from this new appeal will free up resources so that staff, programs, outreach, etc.can expand our ability to bring more people to Christ.

WHAT PLANS ARE IN PLACE TO CARRY OUT THE VISION?

Plans are in place to call an associate pastor, expand small groups and adult education, sponsorevents to bring people of the surrounding community to this facility, appoint a Task Team todiscover creative ways to connect with the community and grow in numbers.

WHAT ARE THE PLANNED RESULTS OF THE IMAGINE APPEAL?

There are several planned results. Following are the three main goals:• Call an associate pastor - an amount for salary and benefits over a three year period• Build a small church in Ecuador in the summer of 2009 - $20,000• Eliminate the existing debt - $1,700,000

NEITHER A CHAPEL NOR A NEW WORSHIP CENTER ARE INCLUDED AS OBJECTIVES OF THIS

IMAGINE APPEAL – WHY NOT?

Our mission expansion needs to be driven by vision more than by building needs or wants. By usingour current space creatively, we have the ability to generate more programs, services, connections tothe community, etc. This local ministry expansion will bring more people to Christ enabling us tocarry out Christ’s Great Commission. With more people we will also have a stronger financial baseto complete our master facility plan with less long-term debt.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

Everyone has to decide that for him/herself, but here are some guidelines for your consideration:• Reflect on your blessings from a generous God and give out of joy and gratitude• Ask God for direction. Pray and meditate over a period of time and be open to the Spirit• Be informed by reading all the IMAGINE materials sent or delivered to you during this appeal• Complete all Bible Studies that are part of the materials you receive• Participate in the many prayer opportunities offered as part of the IMAGINE appeal• Give until it takes your breath away and you feel joy swelling up in your heart

HOW LONG WILL THE IMAGINE APPEAL CONTINUE?

The IMAGINE appeal giving period will begin July 2009, and continue through June 2012.

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All are invited to join theCircle of Generosity

by contributing to this appeal.

Please consider your gift to this IMAGINE appeal by

reviewing the Gift Guide below and placing your

response in an amount that takes your breath away

and brings joy to your heart. For Jesus said, “where

your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

The generosity of just one person can

have a powerful ripple effect!

IMAGINEGiving Guide

Gifts on this Giving Guide

can be given over a three-

year period beginning in

July, 2009, and

continuing through June,

2012. The total receipt of

these gifts as listed would

enable us to accomplish

our three main goals:

• Calling an associate

pastor

• Building a church in

Ecuador

• Eliminating our debt.

NO. OF

GIFTS

TOTAL

GIFTMONTHLY WEEKLY

1 @ $200,000

1 @ 100,000

2 @ 50,000

4 @ 35,000

7 @ 25,000

10 @ 20,000 $555.56 $128.21

15 @ 15,000 416.67 96.15

28 @ 10,000 277.78 64.10

42 @ 7,500 208.33 48.08

54 @ 5,000 138.80 32.05

68 @ 3,000 83.33 19.23

All Others As Able

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Creative Giving Guide

The most important consideration of charitable giving is charitable intent – thepersonal desire and intention of the donor to make a gift of value to a charitableorganization. Of secondary importance are the financial issues, which may include taxconsiderations, estate planning concerns, or the type and size of gift. If there is asincere desire and intent on behalf of the donor, almost any asset of value can begifted.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATED ASSETS

A gift of investment assets which have appreciated in value is one of the most common giftingstrategies. The asset should, in relative terms, be “substantially appreciated” if the giver wishes toreceive tax benefits as a result of the charitable gift.

GIFTS OF STOCKS AND BONDS

Funding charitable giving with appreciated stocks or bonds can be very advantageous to both the donorand the church. The donor will avoid paying any capital gains tax while receiving a charitablededuction based on the full market value of the assets and the church will receive a very liquid asset. To claim all these benefits, the stocks/bonds must be transferred to the church rather than selling thestocks/bonds and donating the proceeds, which then turns the gift into an ordinary cash gift. Kairos ora tax accountant can advise you about the most advantageous way to make the transfer.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATED REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY

Many people possess assets that could make a good gift to their church. This is a discussion worthhaving. One word of caution about real and personal property gifts: they should be discussed inadvance with the church to determine the appropriateness of this action. For instance, unless the gift isgermane to the “business” of the church, the donor should sell the personal property and give theproceeds to the church. The key word is VALUE. It should be marketable and its market value shouldbe ascertainable. If the market value is thought to be above $5,000, an appraisal must be conductedprior to acceptance by the church. An asset which may have value to a donor may have little marketvalue.

GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE

An unencumbered piece of real estate that is readily saleable in the marketplace can be a wonderfulgift. In fact, real estate is one of the most often given assets because it is easy to gift. GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE

Some people have accumulated cash in insurance policies which they give to the church. Otherspurchase new policies with the church as beneficiary or name the church beneficiary of an existingpolicy. Donors may also give the entire policy as an outright gift. The charity may wish to accept thepolicy ownership and continue to make premium payments in order to collect the proceeds at the time

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of the donor’s death. Due to recent estate tax law changes, many donors may find their insurancepolicies, which were purchased for estate taxes, may not be needed and may be an excellent charitablegift.

GIFT ANNUITIES

The donor funds a gift annuity with an appreciated asset and gives it to the church; in turn the churchdistributes a lifetime (or defined period) of income to the donor (and or spouse). This is an excellentway to convert a substantially appreciated asset into an income source for the donor.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS

Assets are placed in a trust. The trust will distribute income to the donor until death (or defined event)causes the asset to be distributed to the charity. A Lead Trust works the same way but the trustdistributes income to the charity until death (or defined event) causes the asset to be distributed to thedonor’s estate or family.

The following is a brief list of gifting techniques which may be used. Many can be usedtogether to structure a personal gifting plan for the donor.

PRIORITY BUDGETING

Some people may choose to rearrange their priorities in order to give greater gifts to a capital fundappeal. Priority budgeting may lead to postponing a planned expenditure such as a new car, sailboat,vacation home, etc. One couple delayed the purchase of a new car and applied the same monthlypayments toward the capital fund appeal, enabling them to give an additional $25,000.

RE-CHANNELING A PRESENT EXPENDITURE

Many families have incurred short-term heavyexpenditures for special needs. An example would bewhile their children attend college. They learnduring those years to budget their money so they cancover those expenditures. The same philosophyapplies when budgeting money to support theirchurch’s vision.

GIFTS OF UNEXPECTED INCOME OR CASH

An unexpected inheritance of several thousanddollars could be given to the church. Other amountscould be income tax refunds, salary increases,interest or dividends.

GIFTS OF SERVICE OR EXTRA WORK

There are many ways that people can give to their church by doing various jobs of service. Althoughthese forms of giving are not tax deductible, they still provide a valuable gift to the church. The missionat Christ Lutheran Church would not be able to continue without the many volunteer workers that serveeach week.

Caution: Tax advantages should never be assumed. The various gifting strategieshave certain tax implications which may or may not affect a specific donor’s personalincome tax liability. For expert assistance, consult your Kairos Consultant, andultimately, a tax attorney or tax accountant.

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