annual report 2007

How many members belong to Bridge of Life?
At the end of 2008 the unofficial list had 166 people (63 “family” units)

How much have we grown?
The number of families involves has grown from 22 in 2004 to 63 in 2008, during the same time average weekly worship attendance grew from 27 to 78.

How do I become a member of Bridge of Life?
Right now members are simply those who are involved in the life of the congregation. Periodically we have a “Connection Day” which provides an opportunity those attending to be more intentional about being a part of Bridge of Life.

When are we going to be an “official” congregation?
As we get closer to being able to support ourselves financially we will go through the process of organization and chartering as a congregation of the ELCA. We are going to start working on a constitution and bylaws in the next year.

How are we doing financially?
Right now we raise a little over half of what we need to fund the mission through our offerings. We depend on outside gifts and grants for the rest. We have some very big steps to make which will require an increase in giving and the number of people involved.

How do I determine how much I give in my offering?
People give in lots of different ways for different reasons:

Some give proportionally. The Bible talks about taking a portion of what God has first given us and giving it back to God as an act of worship. It is called a tithe (10%). As a congregation we give away 15%, but you need to determine what that portion (percentage) should be in your situation. The tithe is what is called a “first fruits” gift. It is given first before the other expenses, not from what is left over at the end of the month.

Some give to a need. Each Sunday we have special causes that we provide an opportunity to give to. Some give based on the expenses we are facing. If you look at the numbers, for 2008 we have an estimated budget of $145,000. We hope members will be able to give $80,000 of that through our offerings. If you divide $80,000 by 54 families, it comes out to about $30/week. Some will give significantly more than that, others, less.

Your financial gifts of any size are significant. (“for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” – Jesus)

When are we going to build a building?
Land has already been purchased (across from 7 Bridges Bank), but before we build on it we would like to be financially self-supporting. It is important to build the ministry up first. Currently we have a three year lease on our space in the Holmen Square Mall.

What is “Simply Giving” and how does it work?
Simply Giving is a way to make your gift electronically. Many of us already use this kind of system to pay bills each month. It is an easy, free service that can easily be changed at any time. See the attached sheet.

How is the congregation organized?
Right now there is a Leadership Team which is appointed to advise Pastor Meyer as he works as a developer in helping the congregation toward organization. Once the congregation is organized, there will be elected leaders. We also have ministry teams made up of people with an interest or gifts for a particular aspect of our ministry. Currently we have teams for outreach, stewardship, children’s ministry and site development. Mary Tauer is our treasurer and Doug Myhre our financial secretary.

When and how did Bridge of Life get started?
In the spring of 2001 a committee was formed and began raising money to start a new mission congregation in the Holmen area. By August 2001 the initial mission developer Pastor Amy Odgren began her call and the first worship service was held in January 2002. The congregation met in the high school, middle school, Heart of Holmen Day Care and the Seven Bridges Bank during the first few years. Pastor Odgren took a different call in 2003 and Pastor Duane Baardseth served as the interim pastor. Land was purchased. In June 2004 Pastor Steve Meyer was called as Pastor/Developer.

How long will Pastor Steve be the pastor?
Currently Pastor Steve is serving on a call from the La Crosse Area Synod which goes year by year. When the congregation is organized, it will be able to issue the call without any term limit.

How can I share suggestions or comments?
Call or email Pastor Steve (317-5433 steve@bridgeoflife.us) or talk with any member of the Leadership Team (currently Forrest Moe, TJ Barth, Jonah Denson, Chris Stanke, Amy Denson).

2008   Where did the money come from?               2008 Where did the money go?
$77,000          Offerings by Bridge of Life members             $129,000    Operating expenses
$27,000          Gifts from other congregations                                              $88,000 Staff
$15,000           Grants                                                                                     $25,000 Facility
$  6,000          Misc. (fundraisers, etc)                                                           $16,000 Ministry
$125,000                                                                                 $   11,000    Benevolence
                                                                                                $ 140,000
We had received a grant from the Siebert Foundation in for $20,000                                               In 2008 we also had an additional one-time expense of $18,000
in December 2007 which was used in 2008 to help us meet all our expenses                            (not included above) needed to make our new rental space usable for
and continue to build the ministry, but we are not eligible for another grant                             ministry. It was paid by for by a special fund drive.
from them.

2009 Where will the money come from?         2008 Where will the money go?
$85,000           Offering from Bridge members                  $137,500            Operating expense
$25,000           Gifts from other congregations                                              $87,500    Staff
$12,000           Grants                                                                                     $29,000     Facility
$ 6,000           Misc.                                                                                       $21,000     Ministry
$128,000                                                                              $ 13,500    Benevolence
                                                                                             $151,000

The numbers here are rounded…a more detailed budget/expense account is available at church office

Number of Families
actively involved
2004 22 families
2005 34 families
2006 42 families
2007 54 families
2008 63 families

Average Weekly
Worship Attendance
2004    27
2005    46
2006    70
2007    70
2008    78

Growth in Giving
by Bridge Members
2004     na
2005    $28,000
2006    $50,000
2007    $70,400
2008     $77,000