Dear Friends in Christ,
On Sunday, November 2, at 10:15 a.m., we’ll hold a Congregational Meeting after worship to vote on whether to move forward with a Solar Project that could save us thousands of dollars each year and strengthen our financial foundation for ministry.
Why Solar—Why Now—And Can We Afford It?
Right now, Mission Lutheran pays more than $60,000 each year in electricity costs—money that could instead fuel ministry and outreach. By investing in solar energy, we can dramatically lower those expenses and become better stewards of both creation and our financial resources.
Timing matters. Through a federal rebate program that expires in 2026, we can recover 40% of the total project cost—a rebate worth about $120,000 on a $300,000 project. The remaining $180,000 would be financed through a 20-year loan with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund at just over 7%. Our monthly payment would be under $2,000, far less than our current $5,000 monthly utility bills. The savings alone will cover the cost of the project, and we can pay off the loan early without penalty. In short, this is an investment that pays for itself while advancing our call to faithful stewardship.
Parking Lot and Facilities
We’ll also discuss our parking lot and facility projects. Earlier this year, our insurance company identified safety and liability concerns in our parking lot that require immediate attention. This fall, we’re addressing those items by patching potholes, replacing broken bumpers, and repainting handicap spaces and directional arrows.
Looking ahead, there will be a comprehensive Facilities Plan developed in 2026 to address critical infrastructure needs such as resurfacing the parking lot, HVAC replacement, roof repairs, lighting, etc. We want to approach these projects with the best stewardship and planning possible, ensuring our campus continues to serve the congregation and community for years to come. More details will be shared in the months ahead. If you are a person who likes construction projects, please reach out to the office.
Finishing Strong and Starting Strong
As we approach year-end, our goal is twofold: to close the gap on 2025 and get ahead for 2026. We currently have a $35,000 gap that we would like to close. We would also like to get a headstart on the facility improvement for 2026.
For those who wish to give before year’s end, this is a wonderful time to make a special gift—either toward our general fund or to help launch our upcoming capital improvements. Some members have also expressed interest to give gifts of appreciated stock, which can be an excellent way to make a lasting impact while receiving potential tax benefits. Mission Lutheran is fully equipped to receive these gifts.
The Solar Project, the facility updates, and our year-end giving all point toward a single goal: a stronger, more sustainable future for Mission—one that frees resources for ministry, service, and outreach. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and faith in what God is doing among us.
With gratitude and hope,
Scott Walker, Pastor Russ, and the Church Council