HOW WE GOT HERE

Salem Lutheran Church provides a setting for serving Christ and passing on to future generations the beliefs, values and teachings of our faith. Our facility is the vessel that holds worship and all our wonderful ministries and activities. In 2009, construction began on Salem Lutheran Church’s new building. The old facility served our congregation well, but its structure was in poor shape and the cost to repair it was substantial enough that Salem’s congregation decided building new was a better option. Rather than sell the building and buy land, it was determined that Salem should remain in the same location it’s been since 1889. Through these efforts we are now utilizing and enjoying our third church home and continuing the Salem tradition in the Deerwood community and beyond.

 

PROGRESS IN THIS JOURNEY

The building project’s total cost was $2.4 million when built in 2009. Salem’s leadership knew when we began this journey that it would consist of multiple capital appeals. Our mortgage is now under $700,000! Salem has been able to reduce our mortgage so rapidly due to the generosity of members and consistently making extra payments towards principal each month. We have consistently paid more than the minimum monthly amount since our mortgage began and estimate that these extra payments have saved Salem approximately $141,000 in interest since 2009! Salem has also recently refinanced our loan, which enables us to pay less interest moving forward.
 

CAPITAL APPEAL GOAL

The primary goal of this effort is to continue making payments on Salem’s building mortgage and reducing principal to ultimately eliminate our debt. We hope to raise and exceed $360,000 in three years from 2024-2027. This will enable Salem to continue making accelerated monthly payments of $9,000 and working toward a goal of becoming debt free by the year 2032! Because of the larger payments being made and refinancing at lower rates, Salem will continue to save in interest costs over the entire length of the mortgage. Please help Salem in making this vision a reality by giving to the best of your ability. It will take our entire community to make this happen.
 

INFORMATION ON GIVING TO THE CAMPAIGN

The information below is not meant to provide advice as each individual’s financial situation is unique. For further information or questions regarding how to make these gifts or the tax benefits, please consult with your accountant and/or financial advisor.

Before making a commitment to Salem’s Capital Appeal, it is important that you know the following:

  • When receiving your commitment information, please take time to consider and pray over the amount to give.
  • We ask that members NOT deduct from their regular offering to make contributions to the Capital Appeal.
  • All giving to this effort is confidential.
 

IN WHAT WAYS CAN I MAKE A GIFT TO THE CAPITAL APPEAL?

As you consider your commitment, please review the following options:

Cash, check or Electronic Giving

Most donors will make gifts and pay their pledge by check. Such charitable contributions may be tax deductible. Electronic Giving is available by completing the Simply Giving form.

Appreciated Stocks and Bonds

Funding charitable giving with appreciated stocks or bonds may be advantageous to both you and Salem. In most cases, you will avoid paying any capital gains taxes while receiving a full value charitable deduction, and Salem will receive a liquid asset. To claim these benefits, stocks/bonds must be transferred to Salem rather than selling them and donating the proceeds.

Individual Retirement Account

Money from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can be donated to Salem. If you have reached an age where you need to make required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA, you can avoid paying taxes by donating your RMDs directly to Salem. To ensure your donations meet IRS rules, please work with your financial advisor or IRA administrator.

Gifts from the cash value of life insurance

Some people have accumulated cash in insurance policies that they can give.
 
 

CAMPAIGN PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your love and guidance in our journey so far. We acknowledge that all gifts are from You. Help us to continue to give generously with courage and gratitude for all that we have. Our gifts will make it possible for Salem Lutheran Church to continue to welcome, equip and send in Jesus’ name. Bless our church family as we step forward in faith together. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen
 

CAPITAL APPEAL TEAM

Pastor Amanda Kempthorne, Lynn Hansen, Randy Holmvig, Myron Midthun, Karla Peterson, Ken Stebbins and Paul Tesdahl