It may surprise you to know that Lent means “springtime.” And while Lent is indeed a serious and somber season, it is also a time to nurture hope.
One of the miracles of life is that planting a seed — something that appears to be as good as dead — can, in God’s good time, yield growth and even abundance.
We have been discussing our Planting Hope campaign for the last several weeks. In partnership with the Saint Paul Area Synod (the network of 110 ELCA congregations in the East Metro that include SOTV), this campaign is raising at least $200,000. Of this, $65,000 will be invested in the Synod’s work, primarily for the construction of a brand-new therapeutic preschool on the east side of St. Paul; $135,000 will be invested in the General Fund here at SOTV, which covers everything from our mortgage, to staffing and programming, to community outreach partnerships.
So far the campaign is going very well! We’re overjoyed to share that as of today, this campaign has raised $234,441.40! Thank you to everyone who has given generously to make our ministry, outreach, and mortgage payments possible. We know figuring out personal finances is complex and that most of us are being pulled in many different directions. We hope you know how sincerely grateful we are that you are showing your support of God’s work being done here at SOTV. The campaign will continue throughout the 2023 calendar year, so if you haven’t pledged yet, there is still time…wouldn’t it be amazing if we could get to $250,000?
If you have not yet pledged, please prayerfully consider this invitation to grow in your support of God’s work. Many have pledged $1,000 or more above and beyond their regular giving by the end of 2023. What’s most important is that you give what you are able to give. We are grateful for a gift of any amount and every dollar counts. Pledge cards are available at the welcome center or you can make a gift to the “Planting Hope” fund at
sotv.org/give. If you choose to write a check, make sure to write “Planting Hope” in the memo line.
To find out more about the campaign, go to
sotv.org/planting-hope. Also, as you read our weekly email and monthly newsletter, take note of the wonderful ministries and outreach that will be supported by this campaign. God is up to great things here.
When God calls, the people of SOTV respond faithfully. May the seeds we are planting through this campaign grow and thrive in the days to come.
