The NWD Board of Directors has earmarked budgeted dollars for Mission Grants. These mission grants are a significant way to encourage and equip our NWD ministries to vigorously make known the love of Christ. The purpose is to encourage and support local outreach and evangelism… to help proclaim the Gospel to non-Christians. This year grants will range from $200 to $10,000. Grant requests will be evaluated according to their outreach/evangelism potential; tell how your project directly ties to local missions/Gospel outreach. Examples: canvas the community and give away t-shirts; hire a preschool teacher; develop a marketing video; share a youth worker with another congregation; expand VBS to include intentional outreach goals; host a community youth event; develop radio commercials or Facebook advertisements; host a Community Christmas Event; etc. Grant requests must be received by August 15, will be awarded in September, and must be used by December 31 of NEXT year. Find the entire rules and application on the NWD website under Events and Info.

The purpose of these annual NWD student grants is to make it possible for young men and women to prepare for professional church work while reducing the financial burden to attend our Synod schools. District financial support is available to all college and seminary students who are attending an LCMS university or seminary preparing to become a pastor, teacher, deaconess, DCM, DCE, music director or other full-time church vocation. A new application must be filed each year. Students simply need to contact the school’s financial aid office to get the district financial aid application and return it to their school before May 15. The form and other eligibility information can also be found at nwdlcms.org under Financial/Financial Resources/Financial Aid or HERE. We give thanks to those who have donated to these special funds in the past, allowing these gifts to be given annually. Awards will be made late summer. Contact DJ with questions.

Concordia Chicago has instituted a new policy, the Prepared to Serve Church Professional Scholarship. All students enrolled in church-work programs will be able to study for no more than $5,000 / year, not even factoring in district scholarships or other outside scholarships. This will significantly lift financial burdens for students, and make it much more feasible to enter church-work programs at CUC. This also makes CUC one of the most affordable options for students in our Synod.

Check out the commitment from the other LCMS Concordia University Schools at https://www.lcms.org/serve/set-apart-to-serve/teacher.

We received word from Concordia Plans that the Compensation Decision Support Tool was refreshed last month. This tool is data driven, not aspirational, so numbers could be up or down from last year depending on current market trends. Many ministries do annual increases, then check the tool every few years to see if they are still on track with worker salaries. Access the tool HERE. FAQs for the tool are found HERE. The NWD document with other items not addressed in the tool can be found HERE.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod informational tax brochure designed for ordained or commissioned ministers is available on the NWD website. Simply go to the Financial tab and look under “Forms and Policies - Taxes and Ministers”. Click here for the direct link to the publication.

PLEASE NOTE: This brochure is for information only and is not a substitute for obtaining professional tax, legal or financial advice. The services of a professional person are recommended if advice is required concerning the topics discussed.

Upcoming Business Managers - Treasurers Zooms:

• April 18 at 11am: Treasurers Manual changes and big reminders – Roger Curtis, IDE

Contact DJ or Sandie for the Zoom link.

The LCMS Foundation will be holding a Gift Planning training event on May 15th at Peace Antigo. Advocate training is aimed at pastors, school administrators, staff, and lay leadership, and is intended to help ministry leaders understand the value of gift planning and endowment development. Ministry leaders will learn how they can promote gift planning in their ministry, steward gifts as they are created, and partner with and refer potential donors to the LCMS Foundation. Registration & Details - HERE

Unknown Nations is the 2024-25 Hearts for Jesus ministry. Unknown Nations is on a mission to spread the Gospel to the most remote and spiritually dark corners of the world. Unknown Nations is changing lives and bringing hope. Check out their updated early childhood resources and other supports for teachers HERE. Send HFJ donations to the NWD Office, with checks made payable to: North WI District LCMS (with HFJ 2024-25 on the memo line).

We want every staff person in every congregation and school in the NWD to commit to helping protect the children and ministries entrusted to their care. The NWD Board of Directors feel this training is extremely valuable and strongly encourage the participation of all our NWD ministries. To learn more about MinistrySafe, watch a short video at ministrysafe.com/the-risk/. To start the training or ask questions, contact DJ at the District Office at 715-845-8241.

Did you know there is a Financial page on the nwdlcms.org website? It includes many useful items for staff and lay leaders as well as links for LCEF, Concordia Plans, and the LCMS Foundation. Some of the resources include:

• Labor of Love application materials
• Compensation guidelines
• Financial aid for future church workers and colloquy
• LCMS Treasurer's Manual
• Taxes and Ministers document
• And more! - HERE

Faith Focused Financial Solutions for Your Congregation

Some of the biggest challenges churches face are the financial decisions aimed at sustaining congregational life. LCEF is here to support your church at every step of your financial journey with tailored financial solutions you can rely on. Together, we’ll help you steward God’s blessings and strengthen the future of your ministry.

Investment Options

Investing with LCEF is more than a financial decision—it’s a way to support your congregation’s mission while contributing to the broader growth of the LCMS. Your investment not only helps fund your church’s goals but also strengthens ministries across the nation. Together, we’re empowering ministries to share His Word.

See your congregational investment options here.

Loans

Whether you’re building a new facility, renovating your existing space or pursuing a specialized ministry project, LCEF provides solutions designed to support your congregation’s unique goals. With our expertise and commitment to serving LCMS ministries, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the journey toward achieving your mission.

See your congregational loan options here.

Ministry Solutions

LCEF works with congregations to propel the Kingdom forward according to God’s will. From clarifying your mission to launching successful campaigns and enhancing stewardship, our tailored solutions are designed to meet your unique needs. With guidance rooted in faith and decades of pastoral experience, we’ll help you advance your ministry and strengthen your impact.

See your congregational ministry solutions options here.

Real Estate Solutions

Your congregation’s property is a vital resource for ministry. Our Real Estate Solutions (RES) team brings over 40 years of experience to help you navigate property decisions with confidence. Whether managing excess land, planning school expansions or conducting feasibility studies, we provide expert guidance to ensure your real estate aligns with your mission and supports your long-term goals.

See your congregational real estate solutions options here.

Please give me a call if you want to talk about any or all of the above. May God bless your ministry!

Bill Jordan

District Vice President - LCEF

North Wisconsin District

bill.jordan@lcef.org - 715-845-8241 ext. 102