Quarterly Stewardship Thank You Letter

2nd Quarter 2007

Congregations may copy and paste this text to adapt it for their own publications.

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August 2007

 

 

Dear Friends:

 

The summer camping season has come to an end at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center.  In a word, it was a great summer.  Or, as Russ Senti, the executive director would put it, the summer was “awesome.”  While national trends for outdoor programs have continued to decline, LOMC saw an 11% increase in the number of campers over last year.  That’s on top of the 20% increase in 2006 over 2005!  George Davis, the maintenance director, was reflecting with me that it takes his staff the same amount of work no matter what number of people utilizes the facilities.  He said that is so gratifying to see LOMC operating near capacity.

 

As you may know, in addition to on-site programs, LOMC staffed Vacation Bible Schools in congregations throughout the state and led other off-site activities.  The good news that Russ is reporting is that LOMC finished the fiscal year in the black, staff morale is great, and $18,000 was awarded in camperships.  Thanks be to God!

 

My wife and I were recently at LOMC for a Friday Night Festival.  Just prior to the picnic dinner for campers, parents and donors, the donors were thanked for their support.  I wish you and your congregation could have been sitting at those tables with us.  The joy on the faces of the children was infectious.

 

The work we do through LOMC is so important.  Yes, we.  Through your Mission Support dollars, the Northern Illinois Synod provides financial support to this ministry.  Yes, many individuals and congregations make additional gifts as my wife and I do.  But we all contribute to this ministry through our offerings.

 

Thank you for being part of a life-changing ministry.  Please share our thanks with your congregation.  There are many exciting plans for LOMC.  Check out their website at www.lomc.org.  Better yet, call Russ Senti and arrange to visit yourself.  Will I see you at AutumnFest on October 7?  I hope so!

 

Living in God’s amazing grace,

Pastor Jeffrey Clements

Assistant to the Bishop/Stewardship Specialist