Bethel Lutheran Church
810 Third Avenue SE
Rochester MN 55904
Telephone 507-288-6430

Fax 507-281-8731
www.bethellutheran.com
 

Bethel Lutheran Church
2006 Endowment
Annual Report

Dear Bethel Members:                                                                                                January 2007

This past year has been a remarkable one for Bethel in many financial ways:
! Offerings that significantly exceeded our expenses so that we were able to give away much more in support of missions
! A second successful capital campaign in supporting the recent building of our church
! Adding of a children=s offering in worship that has involved children in yet another significant way in our ministries
! Immense growth in the Endowment Fund

As you will see elsewhere in this report, the market value of the Endowment Fund has grown to over $1,000,000. This came as a result of one very large estate along with many other smaller gifts over 2006. Because of this growth, the Endowment Fund will be able to support special projects to the tune of $40,000 per year!

We give thanks to God for this kind of support. The Endowment Team especially encourages Bethel members to consider Bethel and other church related charities in your planned giving. It is a way to touch others for decades to come.


In the Grace of Christ,



Rev. Dr. Norman W. Wahl
Executive Pastor

Dear Fellow Bethel Members:
It is my privilege to express appreciation on behalf of the Endowment Trustees and the congregation for your support of the Bethel Endowment. With your contributions and encouragement, we were able to achieve our goals in 2006.

1. Positive annual growth was achieved. The annual yield in interest and market value was 12.16%. In addition, new contributions of $321,762.85 were received including our largest ever single gift of $318,750.00 (Gladys Jensen Estate).
 

2. Funds were disbursed to help address current and future needs of the Bethel Community. It is clear how varied and important each of these disbursements has been to the Bethel congregation.

Disbursements

3. Endowment funds are unique because contributions support the designated programs in perpetuity. Benefactors have made a provision for Bethel in their wills and Sustainers made generous contributions in 2006. Thank you for these powerful gifts.
 

4. Your Trustees are dedicated to Bethel=s Endowment and missions. Each member has specific responsibilities to oversee and lead in-depth discussions about the investment portfolio, to assure adequate communications, and to recognize people like you who have supported the Endowment.

  

5. The Endowment was managed with integrity. Wells Fargo manages the investments. We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously and want to assure the future strength and stability of your Endowment.

On behalf of all Endowment Trustees, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and pledge our continued stewardship of these important funds.

Doug Wiltsie,
Chairperson

The following list includes all Endowment Funds managed by your Endowment Trustees.

Adult Education:
..Underwrite programs for Adult Education programs.

Children=s Ministries:
..Help support the ministry of our children.

Hirman Endowment:
..Enhance current and future fellowship facilities and activities.

Mundahl Music Scholarship:
..Encourage and support the study of music.

Onkka Seminary:
..Support Bethel Lutheran members attending a seminary.

Scholarship:

..Help Bethel students attend ELCA colleges.

Social and Global Missions:
..Support local and global mission objectives.

Spiritual Emphasis:
..Support congregational events with a
spiritual emphasis theme.

Structural Improvement:
..Improve the functionality of the church facilities.

Youth Activities:
..Underwrite youth activity expenses and need-based activities.

Undesignated:
Support special needs not included in the general budget.