“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 3:14
As we prepare to celebrate Bethesda’s 100th birthday in 2024, we are asking God to position us for the next season of ministry. Through this fundraising campaign we want to address 2 key goals to prepare our congregation for new and ongoing ministry opportunities. Our goals are to:
1) raise an additional $100,000 in ongoing giving toward our annual ministry budget and
2) raise $500,000 in one-time gifts toward needed repairs for our aging facility by October 2024.
After prayerfully considering how you can contribute to the Pressing On campaign, use the form linked below to record your decision and submit it to Bethesda's office. Complete as many of the statements below as apply to you. You will be emailed a version for your records. (Please note the only reason email addresses are collected by this form is to send you your copy. No follow up will come from Bethesda.)
(If you’ve already completed and turned in a paper pledge form in church, do not complete the online pledge form also.)
Give directly to the Pressing On fund HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethesda’s Fundraising Campaign
1. What is this campaign for?
The Pressing On campaign is to raise additional annual funds for our ministries and address needs for our aging facility.
2. How much are we asking?
$100,000 per year in ongoing giving (i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual giving) towards our annual operating budget and $500,000 in one-time gifts towards needed repairs for our aging facility.
3. What's our strategy?
We are asking everyone to prayerfully consider their part in the Pressing On Campaign. That might mean starting the habit of regular giving towards Bethesda. It could mean increasing one’s current monthly or annual giving by 10%, or perhaps even more. It may be making a significant one-time gift towards the $500,000 we are setting aside for current or future repair needs for our aging building. Some might be led to both a one-time gift and on-going giving.
4. Why now?
There are imminent repairs needed for our facility that have not been included in our budget. We seek to grow our giving to meet current needs and be prepared for future opportunities.
5. What's our future?
We will celebrate Bethesda turning 100 in the fall of 2024. Our Heavenly Father has used our church family in the CLBA, the Chippewa Valley, and around the world for 100 years. Our Father still has plans for us as we join Jesus in His mission into our next 100 years.
6. When do we need the money by?
We anticipate needing to replace our flat, rubber roof and a number of HVAC systems in the next 1-5 years. We want to raise as much of the funds needed for these costs by September 2024. Increased annual giving will position us well to respond to new and growing ministry opportunities.
7. If I pledge now, how long do I have to pay?
Our prayer is that our campaign goals for current and future repair needs ($500,000) for the facility would be raised by October 2024 when we celebrate our 100 years of ministry. For annual additional operating expenses would begin within our current budget year of 2023, next year in 2024, and ongoing each year after that.
8. Can you give some details on the additional $100,000 for ongoing budget request?
Three specific needs this will meet are: (1) providing competitive compensation, (2) staffing for ministry growth, and (3) rebuilding missional giving.
9. Can you give some details on the facilities needs for request for the $500,000 for our aging facility?
Three specific needs are to replace flat roof ($200,000), invest in HVAC systems ($100,000), and make kitchen and Fellowship Hall improvements.
10. What are some scriptures that I can meditate on as I make a prayerful decision?
a. God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:26-27
b. The parable of the wise steward – Luke 16:1-13
c. Unless the Lord builds the house – Psalms 127:1
d. The parable of the pearl of great price – Matthew 13:45-46