Special thanks to our faithful LCEF investors; enjoy this issue featuring LCEF supported Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod ministry in the upper Midwest area.

Featuring LCMS ministries in the upper Midwest. LCEF supports ministry by funding energy efficient updates, new construction, re-financing and more. Also celebrating National Lutheran Schools Month.

Low loan rates can mean more for your dollar, new legislation IRA donors need to know (page 3), congratulations to a MN million-dollar investing congregation, and if you have not checked into LCEF's Family Emergency StewardAccount (FESA) . . . Now's the time to compare(page 2).

LCEF was a partner with Family of Christ to refinance their facility. Also pictured is their wonderful outdoor worship space landscaped by the pastor and his members. Enjoy!

Prompted by financial challenges, leadership gave this process a try. Blessings flowed for membership and leadership alike. Wanting to reinforce their positive momentum, this congregation will also participate in year two of the emphasis.

"Having Dennis, our district LCEF vice president walk us through the loan process made it all seamless. I am sure we would have had many more roadblocks trying to get funding elsewhere," Gary Vought, Camp Director of Outdoor Ministry at Camp Luther in Wisconsin. Questions regarding loan funding? Contact your district vice president.

Spring 2011 Discover LCEF Minnesota .ppt slide for your congregation. Share the ministry.

Please include these notes in your weekly bulletins and/or monthly newsletters to help communicate how the LCEF ministry supports the LCMS. This partnership focuses on expanding God's kingdom. Notes are not seasonal and can be rotated to keep fresh throughout the year.

New construction in La Crescent, Minnesota.

Share this story with your families.

LCEF's national Fred E. Lietz Individual Ministry Award Winner Sharon Haberkamp has a thriving K.I.D.S. Stamp program. Here Sharon shares her simple steps to encourage high levels of K.I.D.S. Stamp participation. Thanks Sharon!

Many of our stamp coordinators, womens groups, stewardship boards and children's education groups gift a stamp for a student's birthday. This template card can be customized for your program, please contact Maria.Hendrickson@MNSDistrict.org.

Does everyone in your community know the wonderful benefits of a Lutheran education? This Lutheran School Marketing Handbook will assist your school in developing an effective marketing plan based on your school's unique strengths. Use in conjunction with LCEF school marketing materials below.

A Lutheran education is special. It is unique. These materials will help share your school's story with potential families. View samples and order online.