Proclaiming
Christ Jesus Capital Campaign
What can 120
congregations working together accomplish?
While that remains to be seen, we know that as we work together much can
be accomplished. We are moving forward
with our capital campaign which is designed to help provide operating funds for
new mission starts in Iowa District East.
One focus at this time is the work which is being done by Pastor Andrew Richard of St. Silas Lutheran in North Liberty. As
I write this they are in the process of looking at a number of available
facilities to rent in North Liberty. Hopefully a decision will be reached on that
in the next couple of months. Please
keep Pastor Richard, his wife Renae and daughter Alexi in your prayers.
Proclaiming Christ
Jesus is what all of our congregations are hopefully doing. That is what Pastor Richard hopes to be doing
with a gathered group of people in North Liberty. Public proclamation in the Divine Service is
what our Pastor’s are called to do. That
flows from the verses in Luke 24:46-47.
The royal priesthood also is given the task of proclaiming to his or her
neighbor. Rev. John
Pless writes: “The
Pastor serves the royal priesthood by preaching Christ’s Word and administering
His sacraments. The royal priesthood, in
turn serves the neighbor just as Christ served us. This service is not only in the Christian
congregation where the royal priesthood prays for and supports the Pastor but
most especially in the world where God has placed His people in a variety of
vocations. Here the royal priesthood
passes on the Gospel that is has received in the Divine Service as Christ is
confessed and His people give reason for 6the hope that is within them (I Peter
3:15). It is within the various stations
in life where God’s priests live that they do what priests are called to do as
they speak the Word of God to others, speak to God on behalf of others in
prayer, and offer themselves as living sacrifices on behalf of their
neighbor.” Shepherd the Church,
Concordia Seminary Press, Fort Wayne,
IN, pp. 282-283.
Each congregation
has received a DVD which explains this campaign. There was also a congregational remittance
form. Individuals are also being
contacted for gifts. If you wish to
receive additional information, or speak to someone about making a gift, please
contact me. Rev. Dean F. Rothchild,
Iowa District East, 1100 Blairs
Ferry Road, Marion, IA 52302. Phone: 319-373-2112, Cell: 319-350-9564 or email at
Our goal is to
raise a minimum of $600,000 over the next 5-7 years. As of 10-31-12 we have received $68,178 in
gifts and future intentions of $40,350 for a total of $108,532. We thank you for your ongoing support in this
Proclaiming Christ Jesus campaign and I look forward to hearing from you.
