In December, Luther Springs received an incredible gift! As the people of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Florida prepared to conclude their ministry, they made a bold choice – to give a gift of $300,000 for the construction a new family cottage at camp.
This act of generosity was a testament to the faith and character the people of St. Matthew’s have had throughout their history. “St. Matthew’s has a legacy of being shaped by a deep commitment to doing God’s will and sharing the joy of Christ,” explains Hali Hagist, a member of the congregation. “In recent years, as our membership declined and we discerned a holy closure, we remained steadfast in our outward focus. Even in this season of no longer being a formal body, we have chosen to serve beyond ourselves.”
As congregation members considered how they might serve by sharing their remaining assets, they were helped by the staff of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Pastor Nicole Eastwood, Assistant to the Bishop for Transition and Candidacy, worked closely with the leaders of St. Matthew’s to help them determine how they could support ministries with legacy gifts. “We talked together about what the congregation valued and what would be missed once there were gone,” Pastor Nicole says. “A big part of the congregation’s generosity had always been connected to youth ministry and building leaders.”
Janice Hunter, another St. Matthew’s member, says the congregation has always understood growing leaders for the church to be part of its story. “At least six youth and adults from St. Matthew’s have gone on the become ordained ministers,” Janice says. “Church camp was a place they received the seeds of their calling, demonstrating how God uses these experiences to shape lives and call leaders.”
The gift from St. Matthew’s to support ongoing ministry at Luther Springs has become an especially meaningful way to continue the St. Matthew’s story. “Our gift represents the continuation of our congregation’s faith, values, and witness,” Janice shares. “Over our 70 years as a church, countless children and families were impacted by the ministry of Luther Springs. Through this gift, we trust that God will continue that work of discipleship long after our doors have closed.”
Pastor Nicole recognizes that congregations like St. Matthew’s who are making big decisions about closure often find deep meaning by giving to others. “Sometimes ministry is complete sooner than we thought,” Pastor Nicole says, “but that doesn’t mean it’s over, because God is always doing a new thing.”
Hali and the people of St. Matthew’s agree. “We trust that through Luther Springs, our congregation’s faith and generosity will continue to reflect Christ’s love for generations to come.”
Gifts from churches can support the ministries of NovusWay in powerful ways. To learn more about how your congregation can partner with us, contact Rev. Nathan Gragg, Chief Development Officer (NGragg@NovusWay.org, (828) 209-6326).
