Meet Paul,
The Pig
(Actually It's A Piggybank)

Paul The Piggy Bank

On Sunday, September 12th, all Gethsemane worshippers were given a piggybank. Not just any piggybank. This piggybank, provided by Thrivent, has a name: Paul.

Why "Paul?"

Because it shares the same passion for ministry as its namesake, St. Paul.

St. Paul was passionate for...
  * Extending The Church... even to the
     farthest reaches of Europe  and Africa;

  * Supporting Christian Ministries wherever
      they might be; and

  * He was passionate about continuing to
    witness and  extend His ministry
    UNTIL JESUS COMES again.

Paul, the Piggybank has three compartments. As Pastor Fischer explained, each of these compartments represent three types of Christian giving.

The FIRST kind of giving is Immediate Giving. Represented by the first compartment, Immediate Giving is what Christians do when confronted with an immediate need. It is not planned, prepared for or budgeted. It's just responding to a need.

The SECOND kind of Christian giving is Budgeted Giving. Good Stewards set aside a budgeted amount to give to their Church and other charities. This kind of giving provides the most common type of financial support for congregations. This giving is represented by Paul's mid- section (The middle).

The World Vision Fund, however, places it's focus on the THIRD kinds of giving, Planned (Charitable) Giving.  It is the quadrant furthest from the head because it is the one that people don't think about.  

Join us as we start to bring this third area of giving to the forefront each week. Better yet, why not join us by putting your spare change into the Third second. All monies collected will become the in initial seed money for The World Vision Fund.

FAQ's

1. Gethsemane currently has two endowment funds, The Herr Scholarship Fund and the Living Memorial Fund. Why do we need another one?

GLC's World Vision Fund expands the scope of these funds by putting these funds under a larger World Vision Fund umbrella. This umbrella provides an opportunity to add more funds under this broader umbrella.

2. What will happen to the existing two funds?

There are many needs which these two funds address. Thus it is our prayer that God will lead members and friends of Gethsemane to leave a legacy by contributing to these two funds as well as consider other future funds which may be added. .

3. Can I start a Fund?

All funds must be approved by the congregation through the Council. A minimum of $5,000 is required to start a new fund. Please contact Pastor or the Head Elder for more information.

4. Why is Gethsemane associating with Thrivent?

There are many good reasons for partnering with Thrivent. Thrivent (the merger of AAL & Lutheran Brotherhood) has been an outstanding supporter of Lutheran Churches for nearly a century. Their vision to support Christian ministry locally, regionally and worldwide is a very good fit for Gethsemane.

5. Why did the church not choose some other agency?

Because secular agencies may discourage members from leaving a legacy. Nor may they know the tools available for charitable giving. Members may choose their own investment advisors. One of the best benefits of partnering with Thrivent is that their financial people share the passion to extend the Lord's Church. One of their main missions is to provide tools and creative strategies to maximize charitable giving while also helping to maximize the potential to attain personal financial goals.

6. Can I go to my own investment advisor?

Of course. However, they may not share your passion or have the expertise to evaluate and suggest the best charitable options for your legacy. Often, since they are not aware of your passion or experienced in charitable giving, they may not know the powerful tools available to maximize your charitable gift.

7. I'm interested in leaving a legacy. But I don't have very much money. Should I just wait and express my interest later?

No! Do it now. Thrivent's charitable giving program begins with a evaluation of your personal assets. They offer counsel so as to strengthen your financial position, thus giving you more options to consider for your charitable giving and estate.

8. Is there a charge to visit a Thrivent Investment Counselor to discuss the possibility for me to leave a legacy through charitable giving?

There is no charge. Pastor Fischer will be happy to direct you to one of the Thrivent Professionals in the area.

9. What can I expect when I visit a Thrivent investment counselor?

You will not experience a fast sale. They follow highly professional guidelines that will lead you through a well-reasoned process which first builds on a solid financial foundation. As they lead you through each successive step, the possibilities for a more sound personal financial future and generous charitable giving increase.

10. How will I find more about about Thrivent and the World Vision Fund?

Throughout Sept-November, Gethsemane will have handouts, announcements and other materials to help educate the congregation about this remarkable opportunity. On the first Sunday in November, Gethsemane will host Thrivent representatives Bruce Gremel and Steve Gauss in a special information workshop immediately follow the morning service.

World Vision Promotional Materials Are Copyrighted. For Use In Your Church, please contact Gethsemene