150 x 150 = 22,500? 
 
Why is that significant? 
Because beginning in May families throughout the United States will be receiving an average of $1500 from our federal government for the purpose of what is called economic stimulus.  I began thinking about this when Bishop Peter Rogness pointed out that if each of the 4.8 million members of the ELCA tithed 10% of their economic stimulus check, that would amount to $100 million dollars that the ELCA could use towards many of their local, national, and global ministries.  He mentioned what a powerful opportunity we have for economic stimulus to be turned into spiritual stimulus, and how this way, both our economy and our spirits can surge!
 
Well, it got me thinking, as you might imagine, that if all 150 families of Fish Lake tithed 10% ($150) of their upcoming economic stimulus checks (an average of $1500/family) from the federal government, and gave that to Fish Lake Lutheran, it would total $22,500! 

The opportunities for a potential unexpected blessing like this are endless! 

That money could be dispersed among a variety of ministry needs at Fish Lake including our Building Fund, Youth and Family Ministry (including scholarships), social/global missions, increased synod benevolence, etc.  A gift that size could also be very helpful as the church council begins the process of Long Range Planning as it could help incur various expenses related to that.  We welcome your thoughts and suggestions as to how we could best be creative and effective with a gift of such potential.
 
Here's how it works - When you receive your $600, $1200, $1500 (or more) economic stimulus check, you are invited and challenged to make your first check out in the amount of $60, $120, $150, or whatever 10% of it might be, and give it to Fish Lake Lutheran - make a note on it indicating that it is your Fish Lake Lutheran Spiritual Stimulus Check.  This, of course, would be above and beyond your normal gifts and tithes, as it is an unexpected blessing. 

Just imagine what could happen as a result of 150 generous families, giving $150 (or more), for the fulfillment of God's work here at Fish Lake!  Let's all pray that this economic stimulus, in the form of an unexpected blessing, might indeed, become a spiritual stimulus for Fish Lake Lutheran as well.

To God be the Glory!

Pastor Dale