Do you ever wonder how your giving to the church or various other charities are put to use?  I do.  When I hear of inappropriate use of funds by a non-profit or charity that I have given to, or perhaps learned of allocation of resources to something I am not 100% supportive of, I sometimes question if that is where I should direct my stewardship/discretionary dollars in the future.  After all, I want to be a good steward of the blessings God has provided me.  Don't you? 

Last month I came across an article titled "My Church is a Beautiful Waste of Money" that caught my attention.  It's an article written by Melissa Florer-Bixler, pastor at the Raleigh, NC Mennonite Church.  Take a moment to read the article by clicking the button above.  

Now, I don't know about you, but for the most part, I am pleased with the ways I see people here at First Lutheran using their time, talent and resources.  And as far as I can see, the Church Council and Finance Committee are doing a pretty good job of allocating funds and planning next year's budget using my and your gifts to do God's work.  They don't have an easy job, especially when dollars are tight. 

This month I'll be directing an extra gift to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund, and maybe my wife and I will have a discussion about increasing our pledge to support the 2023 congregational budget for next year.  What about you?

Submitted by Carl Bruihler
Please check out how you can volunteer in 2024! If you have questions about your building campaign contribution or your regular giving please contact the office. 

Committee Members

Carl Bruihler (co-chair)
Bruce Gray
Annalise Rivas (co-chair)
Karen Smithers
​Dawn Wenner