The words “fan into flame” that Paul uses in II Timothy 1:6 also means to “stir up” or “rekindle”.  The gift that God has given Timothy is like a fire.  It’s burning inside of him.  Paul wants Timothy to develop this gift, not to waste it.  Paul wants Timothy to intensify the fire within him.  Paul wants him to be overcome with passion for this gift that God has given him and use it to its fullest potential.

Campaign Goal

To draw on St. Luke’s 50 years of spiritual heritage to help “fan into flame” our time, talents and finances God has gifted us so we may broaden our reach in a ministry of faith to our members, our community, our nation and our world.

Campaign Theme       II Timothy 1:1-7

Like Timothy, we are currently taking our turn at running with the torch of the gospel of Christ.  We need to hear Paul’s words and apply them to our lives so that we can be effective in our service to God.

Our stewardship campaign will center on Paul’s words in verse six in which he tells Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift that he has received from God.  Like Timothy, St. Luke’s has a gift for ministry. As people of God who have been redeemed and empowered, we receive the light of God’s love and reflect it into our community through active worship, fellowship, education, lay training and service that people in darkness may be drawn to the light and find St. Luke’s a place of refuge, renewal and sanctuary.

Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame his gift for ministry by:

• Drawing on his spiritual heritage
• Developing his God given gift
• Displaying his spirit of Godliness

St. Luke’s congregation will be called upon to fan into flame the gifts that God has given us by drawing on our spiritual heritage, developing our God given gifts and displaying a spirit of godliness.

What is the purpose of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church ’s “Fan Into Flame” program?

The goal of “Fan Into Flame” is to further the strong witness of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church .  In this year of our fiftieth anniversary as a congregation of God’s people, St. Luke’s has a bold vision to prepare ourselves for even stronger service in the next fifty years.  Specifically, this congregation has a strong vision to expand its ministry as a “community” church serving local needs.

“Fan Into Flame” is a capital program that will make a difference in our facility.  We will finish the basement space under the sanctuary, which will provide both classrooms for our own children and added meeting space for our community.  We will move our offices to the front of the building.  This will enable us to better welcome those who come to our building, better monitor the facility, and open up the current office wing for additional education space.  We will add an elevator along with a new central staircase connecting our narthex to our new developed lower lobby and classrooms.  We will finish our Memorial Garden and then, lastly, plans are under way to replace the 40 year old roof that is threatening our existing facilities. 

“Fan Into Flame” is also about our congregation’s ministry.  Our improved facility will provide for expanded ministry.  Some of the money raised in “Fan Into Flame” will be “seed money” for expanding our congregation’s staff in the areas of worship and music, and children and youth.

Finally, as is always the case at St. Luke’s, “Fan Into Flame” will reach beyond our congregation.  We will give 10% of all money received to those in need.  We have a strong history of helping meet human need.  “Fan into Flame” will continue this.

What is the goal of the program?

The goal of “Fan Into Flame” is $800,000.  Our generous God does not call us to modest goals.  We know that our generous God has great plans for St. Luke’s.  Great plans require great generosity on our part. 

When we reach our goal, we will be able to make all the facility improvements, expand our staff, and reach out to our community.  What a great way to celebrate our 50^th Anniversary – by positioning ourselves to do even more in the name of our Lord than we have done in our first 50 years.  St. Luke’s strong past will be an even stronger future.

Will we be encouraged to make a commitment?

Yes – everyone will be asked to make a commitment for the three-year giving phase of the program.  A stated plan for giving has proven to be an excellent discipline for individuals and congregations.  Individuals are helped to live up to their best intentions and congregations can plan their life and mission realistically and responsibly.  Those who are not accustomed to this practice are urged to try it.

When will we be invited to make our commitment?

At worship on Sunday, March 4 – Commitment Sunday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church .

How much are we expected to give?

That, of course, will be answered by us individually and as families.  Our outside leader, Pastor Charles Lane , will help us with our program and will develop giving charts to guide us in our thinking as we make our decision.  Using the ELCA’s Stewardship Key Leader program, he will see that everyone is given the opportunity to be informed, involved, inspired and invited so that responsible, God-pleasing decisions can be made.

Our goal of $800,000 is substantial, and calls for the significant participation of everyone.  We are not asking for equal gifts, but we are seeking equal sacrifice by those who make St. Luke’s their church home.  It is our intention to proceed without incurring any further debt.

Can people give appreciated stock or other property?

Yes.  For the proper procedure, talk to a stock broker or other financial advisor.  This is also a good time to consider other ways to give from accumulated assets as well as regular income.  For example, you might transfer all or part of a paid-up insurance policy, give government bonds that have reached maturity, or give from savings.  Use your imagination for the cause of Christ in this world.  All gifts are tax deductible, in accord with IRS regulations.

How will the program be conducted?

Information to help everyone determine their part will be provided in various ways.  This will include Bible reading and reflection, prayer, and opportunities to learn about ways of giving.  Everyone in the congregation will be encouraged to participate, as we help each other gain a vision of what our congregation can be and do, and to grow in generosity.

What other results can we expect from the “Fan Into Flame” program?

Working together on an important project like this will continue to strengthen the people of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church , inspiring unity and generosity.  This campaign calls for us to give “over and above” our regular giving to the church. Through “Fan Into Flame”, we can expect that the Spirit will stir us up to even greater things!  Growth in stewardship stimulates faith as well as expresses it.  This promises to be a time of personal and congregational renewal.  Pray that it may be so.