Stewardship & Capital Campaigns

Giving to the mission of the church is a way of life and a tangible act of love for God & for our community.

As Christians, we recognize everything we have comes from God, and we are simply sharing these gifts to continue God’s work. Through our tithes and offerings, we are saying we trust God and therefore we give to purposes that are aligned with God’s purposes. We also demonstrate in a tangible way our love for God and our neighbors.

Each year, we ask our members to commit their tithes and offerings for the coming year in support of Messiah Church’s ministry and mission. We do this for three reasons:

1. All we have is a gift from God, so we believe that giving to God’s work is an act of worship.
2. At Messiah, giving is an expectation of membership. The church does not specify how much an individual should give, but we hope each person will commit a percentage of their income and increase that amount as they are able.
3. Annual giving makes possible: worship, programs for children and youth, Bible studies, small groups, pastoral care and support, mission trips, community service, building and operational needs, and paying our staff.

A pledge is an individual’s or family’s annual commitment to the church of their tithes and offerings in support of Messiah Church’s ministry and mission. Annual pledges support all we do at Messiah. We plan our ministry and mission by relying on your financial pledges to develop next year’s budget.

Your gift is an investment in changing lives.

Electronic Giving is secure, quick, and easy to set up using a debit/credit card or your bank account. You can make a one-time or recurring gift through Subsplash, our online giving platform. Go to MessiahChurch.org/give to set up an account, begin a new recurring gift, or update a recurring gift amount to reflect your new 2026-27 pledge (select "General Fund" as the fund).

Cash or Checks may be given in person or mailed to: Messiah Church, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth MN 55447. Please indicate "General Fund" in the memo.

Appreciated Stock is also a giving option. Before initiating a transfer, please contact Kari Stern, Director of Finance, in the church office at (763) 473-6968 ext. 115 or at kstern@messiahchurch.org.

Qualified Charitable Distribution: If you are 70 1/2 or older you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA. Contact your Financial Advisor.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): These are mandatory annual withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts (like Traditional IRAs or 401(k)s) starting at age 73. Contact your Financial Advisor.

Planned Giving: Support Messiah through planned giving opportunities such as securities, qualified retirement plan/IRA assets, death benefit from life insurance, and/or real estate. If you would like to learn more about remembering Messiah in your will or with a planned gift, please contact Kari Stern, Director of Finance, in the church office at (763) 473-6968 ext. 115 or at kstern@messiahchurch.org.

Take a look at the profound impact your gifts had in 2025-26 — locally & around the world!

• Our mortgage was paid in full & we celebrated with a mortgage burning.
• 458 average Sunday worship attendance & 300+ average summer attendance; 766 in attendance for Easter Sunday & 1174 in attendance for Christmas Eve Services — in person & online.
• 27 new members joined Messiah, including 11 Confirmands.
• 35 active Youth Group members & 15 youth leaders; 75 kids in the KID Street Sunday & Wednesday programs; 60 kids & 40 volunteers for Vacation Bible Camp; and 20 kids & 10 volunteers for Arts Camp.
• Cinderella, our 2026 spring musical, brought together over 90 cast & crew, and welcomed more than 1400 guests.
• 200 people attended Jingle Bell Bingo and 50% were newcomers to Messiah.
• Messiah served in mission at STORM Camp in Prior Lake, MN; with YouthWorks in Benton Harbor, MI; with Re-Member on the Pine Ridge Reservation, SD; and at Imara International & Thrive Kenya in Africa.
• $203,000 total given for missions beyond Messiah’s walls, including $9,000 for our Emergency Food Drive.
• 136 Christmas Shoeboxes made & delivered to Spirit Lake Ministry Center.
• 88 shopping trips made & $14,000 donated and spent on groceries to help Bloom Early Learning & Childcare families though Totes for Hope, our food shelf ministry.
• 122 books borrowed from the Messiah library.

...and SO much more!

Gracious God, your grace transforms me, renewing my heart and freeing me to love and give. Lead me from fear to trust, from scarcity to abundance, from isolation into community. Open my hands and life to your purposes as I ask, “What is mine to do, O God?” Amen.

Dedication Sunday is May 17 (in worship at 9:30 am — it’s a Worship Together Sunday!)

We will present our 2026-27 Estimate of Annual Giving Cards during worship, but you may return your card any time in May by mailing it to the church office (Messiah Church, attn: Kari Stern, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447), dropping it off in person during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm), or by submitting your card online:

• Click here for the online Annual Giving Card.
• A paper Annual Giving Card will be mailed to you in early May. You can also click here to download and print a card.
• Paper Annual Giving Cards are also available in the church office on Sunday mornings or during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm).

We ask that everyone return an Annual Giving Card, even if you can only make a limited commitment at this time. You can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by contacting Kari Stern, Director of Finance, in the church office at (763) 473-6968 ext. 115 or at kstern@messiahchurch.org.

I am honored to be one of two co-chairs representing you in Messiah’s 2025 Capital Campaign. Our campaign slogan, Together for Tomorrow, perfectly sums up the opportunity before us. We, as the church body, get to work together during this campaign on the future we desire for Messiah. Part of this future involves retiring the mortgage debt that Messiah still holds. By freeing up the principal and interest payments on this amount, we will ensure that more funds are available for church operations and outreach. Another part of this future involves building repairs. We are blessed with a beautiful church building! By continuing to invest in its maintenance, we demonstrate our gratitude for it and ensure it is available for years to come. Lastly, part of this future involves building upgrades and refreshes to some spaces. We want to make sure that Messiah remains a warm and welcoming place to worship. We want the atrium to look modern, warm, and inviting, and we want our youth spaces, KID Street and Middle/High School, to be their own. Our children are Messiah’s and the broader church community’s future. By continuing to create a comfortable environment for our youth to be themselves, we invest in their spiritual journeys and reinforce how very important they are to us. I look forward to working with all of you on Messiah’s tomorrow!

— Lee Haight   |   haightld@gmail.com

_______________

I am honored and excited to be part of this Capital Campaign to strengthen our facility and congregation for the future. In the coming weeks, you will receive two distinct pledge cards — one for the pledge to cover the newly adopted fiscal year, which will begin July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2026. The other pledge is separate and dedicated to the projects for the mortgage and our building. We are asking that this pledge be “over and above” your regular pledge. Simply splitting your regular pledge will cause the operating budget to fall short. So, we are asking that you consider making a sacrificial pledge to the Capital Campaign over a period of three years. We thank you for considering this critical step for our future together!

— Bill Westhoff   |   william.westhoff@me.com

Messiah is an inclusive community of people who come alongside each other to love as Jesus did: loving God, loving each other, and loving the world. Since our beginning in 1868, change has been a recurring theme. What was a small country church has become a large suburban congregation. We have changed buildings, locations, and even names. But the one thing that has not changed is a commitment to following Jesus.

Living into this mission, we have identified the following goals:

• Eliminating our debt. A large portion of this campaign is dedicated to paying off the mortgage. Doing so eliminates our debt, decreases operating expenses, and frees up resources for ministry, mission, and outreach.
• Replacing a portion of the roof and windows in Heritage Hall and the KID Street area are investments in our property and future. These repairs maintain a safe, inviting, and well-cared for space for worship, community gatherings, and fellowship.
• Refreshing our atrium and entryway reflects our commitment to hospitality and community. By updating this area with a fresh design and comfortable seating, guests will feel a warm Messiah welcome upon entry. *
• Updating our Children & Youth Ministry areas will offer inviting and intentional spaces for children, youth, and families to gather and grow in faith. Each of these areas will include flexible seating and layouts that are accessible and adaptable to the needs of these growing ministries. *

* Renderings available in the printed version of the Capital Campaign brochure.

Why is now the right time for a Capital Campaign?  
By eliminating the mortgage, Messiah will free up funds for the annual operating budget with which to do ministry, mission, and outreach. Additionally, Capital Campaign funds will be used to make needed building repairs and upgrades to our Youth, KID Street, and atrium areas.  

Can I still make a pledge to the Capital Campaign?
Yes! If you feel called to join this ongoing effort, you are welcome to do so at any time. Return a Capital Campaign Giving Card to the church office in person during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm) or by mail to: Messiah Church, attn: Kari Stern, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447).

• Click here to download and print a Capital Campaign Giving Card.
• Paper Capital Campaign Giving Cards are also available in the church office on Sunday mornings or during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm).

Please tell me more about the specific project plans.
The following four project areas were chosen based on assessed needs at Messiah and survey feedback from the church-wide survey conducted in December 2024:  

• Eliminating Debt: Messiah’s only debt is the mortgage balance of $485,000 with a balloon payment of $279,000 coming due in 2027. By eliminating this debt, it will free up $94,000 in the annual operating budget. Those ministry dollars can then be invested in filling the gaps and changing lives.
• Caring for our Campus: Some facility updates and repairs are needed including installing a new flat roof and replacing six windows located in Heritage Hall and the KID Street area. These windows are rusted out and are no longer energy efficient. Repair to the flat roof is not an immediate need, however its expected lifespan will expire in the next three years. Raising funds now will help us prepare for this anticipated expense.  
• Expanding our Outreach by Refreshing and Updating Spaces: We have plenty of space at Messiah Church and it has served us well since 1964. For us to meet the needs and demands of the future it is time to refresh and transform some of our critical ministry areas, including the Children and Youth areas and the atrium. These updates will benefit the current congregation as well as provide compelling, bright, and welcoming spaces for guests and future members.
• Support to our Covenant Mission Partners — Bloom & Imara: Messiah has a tradition of tithing 10% of its Capital Campaign donations to its Covenant Mission Partners. One of the ways we live into our calling as the body of Christ is by supporting these partners. We believe their ministries are transforming lives and filling the gap by caring for young children and their families. We are committed to continue this tradition and will tithe 10% of our Capital Campaign funds to support Bloom Early Learning & Child Care and Imara International.

Can I give stocks and/or financial instruments?
Yes. You and your financial advisor can contact the church office for information and assistance in making stock/asset transfers. Please contact the church office BEFORE initiating a transfer.

When will each project begin?
The elimination of the mortgage is the first and foremost priority of the Servant Steering Team. Once that has occurred, the other phases of repairs and updates will happen once the funds have been received. The Servant Steering Team is committed to not taking out new loans to complete the projects.

Mortgage - $485,000
Window replacement - $16,000
Flat roof replacement - $55,000
Refresh KID Street area & Youth Room - $85,000
Refresh atrium - $208,000

Our most gracious and faithful God,

We come to you in gratitude for all you have done for and through Messiah Church. You have blessed us with a diverse community and unified mission to love you, each other, and the world. You have made us mindful of the needs of our community and given us gifts and opportunities to respond with love. You are at work in us now, and always, as we come together in love, hope, and faith.  

We humbly ask for your Spirit to guide us as we embark on this Capital Campaign to cancel debt and enhance our church facilities. Dear God, show us what is ours to do. Help us understand how you are at work through us, and this campaign. Give clarity for how each of us can support Messiah Church through our service, prayer, and financial commitments. Open our hearts to feel the powerful generosity of your Spirit, letting go of fear and judgment, and stepping out in faith.  

Strengthen our church leaders, equipping them to carry out your will, and be at work in all of us, that together, we can accomplish that which is pleasing to you.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Your gift is an investment in changing lives.

Electronic Giving is secure, quick, and easy to set up using a debit/credit card or your bank account. You can make a one-time or recurring gift through Subsplash, our online giving platform. Go to MessiahChurch.org/give to set up an account or to begin a new recurring gift (select "Capital Campaign" as the fund).

Cash or Checks may be given in person or mailed to: Messiah Church, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth MN 55447. Please indicate "Capital Campaign" in the memo.

Appreciated Stock is also a giving option. Before initiating a transfer, please contact Kari Stern, Director of Finance, in the church office at (763) 473-6968 ext. 115 or at kstern@messiahchurch.org.

Qualified Charitable Distribution: If you are 70 1/2 or older you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA. Contact your Financial Advisor.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): These are mandatory annual withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts (like Traditional IRAs or 401(k)s) starting at age 73. Contact your Financial Advisor.

Planned Giving: Support Messiah through planned giving opportunities such as securities, qualified retirement plan/IRA assets, death benefit from life insurance, and/or real estate. If you would like to learn more about remembering Messiah in your will or with a planned gift, please contact Kari Stern, Director of Finance, in the church office at (763) 473-6968 ext. 115 or at kstern@messiahchurch.org.

Dedication Sunday is May 17 (in worship at 9:30 am — it’s a Worship Together Sunday!)

We will present our 2026-27 Estimate of Annual Giving Cards during worship and new Capital Campaign Giving Cards can also be returned then. Or return your cards any time in May by mailing them to the church office (Messiah Church, attn: Kari Stern, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447), dropping them off in person during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm), or by submitting your cards online:

2026-27 Estimate of Annual Giving Card:

• Click here for the online Annual Giving Card.
• A paper Annual Giving Card will be mailed to you in early May. You can also click here to download and print a card.
• Paper Annual Giving Cards are also available in the church office on Sunday mornings or during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm).

Capital Campaign Giving Card:

• Click here to download and print a Capital Campaign Giving Card.
• Paper Capital Campaign Giving Cards are also available in the church office on Sunday mornings or during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm).

Campaign Co-Chairs
Lee Haight   |   haightld@gmail.com
Bill Westhoff   |   william.westhoff@me.com

Campaign Coordinator
Linda Munch    
     
Advance Commitments Team
Zachary Sweet    
Phil Zietlow
Pastor Bethany Nelson    
     
Celebration Coordinator
Lee Ching
     
Communication Team
Tracy Ickes
Carolyn Loeffler
Miranda Spence

Fulfillment Team
Bob Gustafson    
Melissa Musliner
     
Lead Gifts Team
Lee Haight
Bill Westhoff    
Pastor Tami Luckhardt
     
Prayer Team
Gerry Tucker    
Mary Tucker

1868 - A church society was organized under the name of Plymouth Methodist Church with services held in area homes and the Plymouth Grange Hall.

1871 - A log chapel was built on the north shore of Parkers Lake. This structure burned down in 1877 and the congregation again met in homes and the Plymouth Grange Hall.

1889 - The new Parkers Lake Methodist Episcopal Church was built on the site of the church that burned down.

1911 - A basement with a dining room and kitchen was added to the church building.

1921 - The parsonage was built.

1947 - Another addition to the building for the Sunday School classes was made. In November, a fire destroyed the section of the church built in 1889, but the Sunday School addition was spared.

1948 - Rebuilding began on the original site.

1953 - Construction and renovation completed.

1959 - Planning began for a new church facility and land was purchased.

1964 - Phase I construction began on what is now our current building. During construction, worship was held at Oakwood Elementary School.

1965 - The Consecration Service was celebrated on April 4.

1983 - Phase II construction began for a new sanctuary and addition.

1986 - On Palm Sunday, the congregation worshiped in the new sanctuary for the first time.

1994 - The lower level Lakeside Room was completed in response to growing children and youth programs.

1999 - Phase III construction began to add space for a child care center and offices.

2000 - Messiah opened Kids’ Care Connection (now known as Bloom Early Learning & Child Care).

2002 - Completion of the Celebration Garden.

2009 - Phase IV construction expanded and completed the sanctuary and space for children and youth on the lower level.

2015 - Dedication of the Columbarium.

2018 - Celebration of our 150th Anniversary.

2024 - Heritage Hall updated: paint and flooring.