This list provides a guide to possible uses of gifts to the Memorial and Special Gifts Fund. These items have been determined to be needed or desired to improve the ministry and/or facilities of the Gloria Dei congregation. Additional suggestions are welcome and should be directed to the Pastors.

Continuing, Ongoing Ministries & Needs

Sunday School and Christian Education... An open fund to help acquire special equipment which cannot be purchased through our regular budget funds.

Ministry of Music... An open fund for purchasing new equipment, special music, and guest musicians to enhance our Traditional, Alternative, and Special Services throughout the year.

Youth Ministries... An open fund used for special purposes for the ministry to 7th through 12th grade students.

Church Property... An open fund used to help pay for large or unexpected costs. Gifts may be designated for an open fund used by the Property Committee or designated for a specific use identified by the Property Committee including major repairs, landscaping, tree pruning, etc.

CareNotes... provides for purchasing the inspirational and comforting CareNotes for those in stressful times.

Library Equipment, Reference Materials, Books, and Loanable Items... Our award winning Library is constantly in need of new items for its collection and additional means to display them. Gifts of suitable books, CDs, DVDs, Audio Tapes, and other items MUST be coordinated through the Library Committee. Please call the church office for the name of the person to contact. All gifts are welcome.

Nursery Equipment... The Nursery is not an item of the Church Budget. Gifts may be made to the nursery open account or to specific items.

Labor of Love... Gifts of money will be used to purchase supplies to complete the quilts sent throughout the world.

Project Comfort... Lutheran World Relief uses these funds to ship quilts and supplies throughout the world.

Specific Identified Needs

The Organ: Our wonderful Schantz pipe organ, installed in 1976, can be expanded and updated. The console is prepared for the installation of a Festival Trumpet to the main organ and the addition of an Antiphonal Division to be located in the front of the Nave.

• Festival Trumpet: A full range set of pipes to add a festive and brilliant voice to the organ. We need about $3,000 - $5,000 more to complete the purchase and installation of this brilliant organ stop.
• Console and Organ Modifications: New electronic controls for the organist to use and small modifications to some of the pipes will enhance the sound and make our instrument far more versatile for leading the service and accompanying our choirs. Estimated cost: $13,500-$15,000
• Electronic MIDI system: This would provide a major growth in versatility and new voices. The MIDI could be played from the organ console. An even more versatile system would allow the organ to be played from the piano in the Nave. Depending on the system selected the estimated cost range is: $20,000-$40,000
• Antiphonal Organ: This new, full division would be playable from the existing console and its own console at the Chancel. The pipes would be located in the chancel area. Adding an Antiphonal Organ would serve to further enhance our worship services and provide organ accompaniment to musicians in the chancel area. Estimated cost: $65,000-$130,000
• Chimes: The chimes would be played from the organ console. Estimated cost: $1,500

Kitchen Equipment: Our kitchen is used every day for our Adult Day Care Ministry, weekly for Church Night Suppers, and many other meals and functions. Identified needs include a commercial under-counter refrigerator, food processors, mixers, chafing dishes, and serving dishes. Items will be selected by the Kitchen Committee.

Sanctuary needs

Audio-Visual Wall Panel Screens for the Nave: These would allow words and visuals to be seen throughout the Nave. Included are two wall panel Monitor screens and the computer and program for the system. The total estimated cost for this system is $15,000 - $20,000.

Seasonal Adornments such as Christmas garlands, Banner Holders, etc. (Selected by the Committee and the Altar Guild) Estimated cost: variable.

Nativity Figures for the Altar area: These 24 inch figures are seen throughout the Nave on the Chancel during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. A set consisting of a donkey and an ox are desired to help complete the display. Estimated cost for the set: $900

Sanctuary Banners: Contributions cover the cost of materials and special items needed for display. All gifts welcome.

Other Specific Requests

Equipment for the Sunday Church School and other groups: The SCS has a die cutting machine to work with paper, cloth, and other materials. Additional dies are desired, and a multi-purpose cart for this machine would be put to good use by several church organizations. Cost of dies varies. Estimated cost of the Multi-purpose Cart: $500

Lutheran Outdoors Ministries Center (LOMC) Camperships: Gifts are used to assist paying the costs of attending LOMC programs for enrolled Gloria Dei children and youth.

Church Lounge Furnishings: Wooden snack trays and new portable tables are needed for Senior Ministry receptions and other functions. Estimated cost for the tables is $200; for the Trays, $200.