A Transformational Gift
January 28, 2024 was a joyful day in the life of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church. We worshipped together, had a productive congregational meeting and amazing brunch potluck, and we heard news of a transformational gift that had just been given by Austin and Dorothy Pryor.
Pastor Stephanie spoke of a time of discernment and listening as we seek to learn what God has in store for us next. Bill Welshons gave practical encouragement about what we can do to respond to this gift with gratitude and generosity.
Bill’s treasurer’s report includes the following:
The Pryor’s $1.2 million gift in addition to the $100,000 November gift will reduce our mortgage from $1.464 million to $163,632. It reduces the remaining payments from 95 to 12, the last one due in December of this year. It saves the congregation $332,000 in interest. Wow. This month, after making a $1.25 million principal payment and our monthly payment, our mortgage balance stands at $198,148.
How should the congregation of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church respond to the Pryor’s transformational gift, in addition to the overwhelming gratitude we feel?
The Church Council asks:
1. Please give the last 15 months of your Celebrate the Journey capital appeal as early as you are able. This will accelerate the final mortgage payment and the requisite celebration.
2. Give more to the Building Fund if you are so inspired. Any extra 2024 gifts will be used to strengthen the Building Reserve Fund.
3. For 2025 and onward, please “rollover” your expected building fund contributions into the General Fund. This is the transforming part of the Pryor’s gift. It transforms 7 years of mortgage payments into active, living, breathing, spiritual and social ministry. Imagine what that will look like!
While you begin praying and discerning where you think God is calling St. Barnabas next, please consider helping us eliminate our remaining mortgage debt as soon as possible! Let’s have a mortgage burning party before Pastor Jeff heads to England!
Click here to read the full 2023 Treasurer’s Annual Meeting Commentary.