(I recently came across the following from Pr. Wm. Krenz, now retired from ministry as ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner in Pennsylvania. While we are put right with God by grace through faith, not by how much money we give for ministries, it’s also the case that Jesus calls us to be followers who give our lives away for his sake and for the sake of making his Good News known to all people. dh)

The Market as God

Harvey Cox, “The Atlantic Monthly,” March 1999

“Cox looks at the present and claims that The Market (capital letters are intentional) is fast becoming a post-modern deity—believed in despite the evidence. He spells out what he calls a business theology—‘an entire theology which is comparable in scope if not in profundity to that of Thomas Aquinas or Karl Barth.’

“Cox seems to suggest that while Protestants are fussing over the details of the recipe for an ecumenical pie, they are losing valuable time and effort for working together fully aware of the fundamental differences they all have with the religion of The Market.

“The first commandment of this post-modern religion is ‘There is never enough.’ This is not the first commandment I learned in confirmation class. The tension between the two [competing] first commandments is felt by most of us . . . who for one reason or another never [think that we have] enough.” (Carl Linder, editor, “Lutheran Partners”)

“I have learned only one thing in life: how much is enough”
A Japanese Zen Master once said this to his disciples as he was dying.

“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18.25

Eight out of 10 people with estates over $1 million leave nothing to non-profit organizations. While personal incomes have increased 10, 20, even 30 percent, philanthropic giving has declined to 1.6 percent of personal income over the last 30 years. Even those with little to give have managed better than most of us. Native America people on reservations and people in inner cities give 4.3 percent of their incomes. Lutherans give about 1.5%.

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4.1

“ . . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Galatians 5.22-23

Choose a method to give that works for you

For more information or for confidential conversation about your situation, contact Pastor Dennis Hallemeier using the information listed on the 'Contact Us' page.

Is your Will or Trust out of date?

It is—if you’re married now, or have your first child, or your children are grown, or you’re divorced or remarried, or other circumstances have changed. When you update, remember the Lord’s work as a witness to your faith.

Lutheran Planned Giving

Services to individuals:

Services to congregations:

Sponsors:

Information and examples in this newsletter are for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors about your own will, trust or estate plan.

Content Copyright (c)2000, Lutheran Planned Giving in the Arkansas-Oklahoma and Central States Synods.  All rights reserved.