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FOUNDATION NEWS Caring for the Ministry of Grace: "Ecclesia Perpetua" July 2021 | |||
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By Michael Beachley | ||||
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We often talk about a "legacy" as the sum and impact of what we do on the job, or in creating a family, or leaving something behind, or even creating a program that continues beyond our own corporeal time on this planet. "Planting a Tree" is an oft-used metaphor for such things. We even actually plant trees as a legacy in itself, and even place markers or stones so that future generations can know about the legacy. At Grace Lutheran we have started many legacies that still resonate and carry on the activities and wishes, the dreams and desires of those who took the time to contribute something of significance toward the establishment of such legacies. We have a few. Grace Center for Adult Day Care carries the name of this congregation. It actually started as a challenge to the congregation's standing committees by the church council when the council asked themselves and our standing committees, "what else can we do with our church properties that we haven't already thought of, and would contribute mightily to the community." The Social Ministry Committee took up the challenge and spent a few months investigating the needs of the community and discovered that there was no program for such service. It was such a new concept that the only example of such a program was in Eugene, Oregon. Our Fellowship Hall was used only once a week and was fallow for six days. The proposal was made, the Council approved, the program commenced. Within just a few years the program outgrew itself and sought to find their own digs. By that time the Grace Foundation had established a funded program of financial support for Grace Center, and the rest is history. Thing is, Grace Center today is a highly respected and effective example of how private community support can make effective and positive changes in our community. Grace library is another legacy brought about by members of the congregation. But there are many more, too many to list. A few do stand out. The Grace Steinway is still considered as one of the best concert grand pianos in Corvallis, and there is growing outside interest in using our Steinway. The pre-school is another. Support for our youth gains financial support from the Foundation. The Director of Discipling Ministries got its initial support and impetus by way of a challenge grant from the Foundation. In fact, many of the programs we now enjoy and benefit from gained their initial funding through grants and seed money from the Foundation. The Foundation itself was started by a legacy bequest from out of the blue by Continued on next page
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In addition to the endowed Ronnenkamp Fund, named after the woman whose generosity inspired the creation of GLCF, the following members of the GELC congregation have created legacies: Clara Storvick, in 2001, established three endowed funds to support each of the following: Edna Schultz, in 2014, established the Schultz Family Youth Fund. William Benson, in 2014, established the William and Lorraine Benson Fund. Whitney Lindquist, in 2018, established the Roger Lindquist Funds. One is endowed, the other is not.
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Continued an elder member of the congregation who wanted to create a program of lasting effect through the congregation. That person, Alice Ronnenkamp, simply bequeathed part of her estate to the church and that act started a ball rolling down the hill, in essence planting a tree that grew and blossomed and fruited way beyond what Alice had imagined. There are many more stories like this one that make up the programs and activities of Grace Foundation. It is critical that we consider and make plans for the support of our own families. However, in each of us there are one or two ideas that could have meaningful influence on our church, our community, even our world, if only there were programs that could support such a legacy. The Grace Foundation is here specifically for that purpose. With your idea and your support, we will assure that your legacy lives on and on in perpetuity, according to your vision and your wishes. With nearly 30 years of activity, the Grace Foundation is fully prepared to undertake your challenge. The only limitation is that your legacy in our hands is in support of the mission of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Now that's a good deal. No, that's a great deal. Your choice, your legacy.
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