Inspiring stories about how your investments make a difference in Lutheran congregations across Texas.
JUNE 2017
The Family of Faith Puts Its Faith
Behind Its Youngest Members

If the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, sometimes the way to a person’s faith is through their children. The Family of Faith Lutheran Church, a 300-person congregation located on the northwest edges of Houston, is surrounded by rapidly expanding neighborhoods that attract younger families. For Pastor Doug Krengel, this demographic shift presents the perfect opportunity for growth.

While some suburban churches have trended towards megachurch sizes, Pastor Doug has a different tack: build multiple small ministries with preschools at their center. Bring families to the door by offering daycare in a market that desperately needs it – and then provide the community of faith that keeps the family coming to the church long after the children have outgrown the preschool....
TEXAS CEF REFORMATION NOTE
Don't Miss Out!
Your investments through the Church Extension Fund mean so much to congregations across Texas. 

It is a WIN–WIN. The first WIN … the funds are made available to build churches. The second WIN … You get a great return on your investment. The REFORMATION NOTE allows you to benefit from that investment as well, with an amazing 9.5% interest rate.

If you haven't invested yet, hurry to take advantage of this limited time offer. If you have said “yes" to a Reformation Note, THANK YOU. When you re-invest your note with CEF, you'll continue to see the fruits of your investment. It will truly be a WIN–WIN.  
Redeemer Lutheran Breaks Ground
on a New Family Ministry Hub

In April, members, guests, and neighborhood friends of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin gathered for the groundbreaking on their new multi-use cafetorium. Texas District CEF is providing the loan funding.

The new space will provide:

  • a three-tiered cafeteria capable of seating 300;

  • space for theater performances, worship services, and large community events;

  • banquet seating for large receptions or dinners;

  • theater seating for 500; and

  • a new commercial cafeteria kitchen.

The church envisions a family ministry hub that will also serve the community as a gathering place for arts and performances, personal growth opportunities, and a safe place to ask questions about Jesus.
Current CEF Building Projects
  YOUR INVESTMENTS AT WORK IN TEXAS
Trinity Klein (Spring) continues to update its facilities on schedule! Shown here is the newly enhanced fitness room, primarily used by their senior members. The indoor walking track, aerobic machines, free weights, and universal machine are used everyday and are free to all members.
LifeBridge Church in Cypress has reached 95% completion on its new worship center and Sunday School classrooms. They will hold a grand opening on June 25. Thanks to everyone who helped out at the recent landscaping day!

Memorial Lutheran in Katy  this week is finishing the bricking and acid washing on its building. Several church members are working on a time capsule to add to the newly bricked walls next week.

Pilgrim Lutheran (Houston)  is moving into their recently completed building. All that remains is to finish an extension and repair on the parking lot.
There's a lot of excitement about the new nursery at St. John, Athens! Wednesday's Bible study drew a full house: children enjoyed stories in the nursery (shown) while their parents began a six-week intensive Bible study downstairs. In all, 48 people attended.

 Generosity comes in many sizes
When Nathan Wendorf, Senior Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran (Harlingen), asked his son Jonathan what he wanted for his 7th birthday, he received a beautiful answer: Jonathan wanted to help build a Habitat for Humanity home for a veteran.

He got his wish on April 22, when he contributed to a home for Orlando Piscano, a wounded Iraq veteran, and his family, who themselves have a son Jonathan's age.

Jonathan is too young to work on a construction site, but he was able to paint trim. And he raised more than $2000 from family and friends to help purchase items for the house.

Jonathan says he wants to do this for his birthday again next year and is looking forward to doing other work on the construction site.

The mission of the Texas District Church Extension Fund is to extend God’s Kingdom by boldly and responsibly assisting congregations to acquire land and buildings and by linking investors with congregations.

The information available through Extension Extra is neither an offer to sell nor a request to buy any investments. This offer is made only in the Offering Circular which is available by contacting TexasCEF at 1-888-951-1233 or by written request to Texas CEF, 7900 East Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78724 or at TexasCEF's website: www.TexasCEF.org
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888-951-1233