Norman and Eunice Jones enjoy seeing the fruits of their giving\u2014so much so that they have made it possible for many others to share the joy of giving to Luther Seminary.A founding member of the Luther Seminary Foundation Board of Trustees and its former chair, Norman Jones not only contributes, but also helps lead fundraising efforts.His spirit and enthusiasm for a worthwhile cause allow Jones to be a top volunteer on behalf of Luther Seminary. He is passionate about telling the seminary’s story to others, and displays a strong commitment to the gospel of Jesus, the church and future leaders.\u201cWhen people hear the story and the need for support, the number of new students we need, they are generous with their gifts.We have to continue to work hard to get the message out there. It\u2019s exciting to see how well that message is received,\u201d Jones said.\u201cI was recently taking with a friend of mine in Fargo who supported Luther Seminary\u2019s last campaign. I asked him, \u2018Will you help us again?\u2019 He didn\u2019t event hesitate. He just said, \u2018I sure will.\u2019 People know the need is there. They\u2019re committed to helping meet it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several years ago, a pastor noticed something about Janet Anderson and her husband, Brad: they loved to hear a good sermon. \u201cGood preaching is so important to me,\u201d she commented. \u201cIt was a first-call associate pastor who took us aside and said, \u2018You know, you really should be supporting the seminary.\u2019 \u201dSince then, the Andersons have embraced Luther Seminary\u2019s work, mission and vision in exciting ways. She has participated in several classes for lay leaders in congregations, has served on the seminary\u2019s Foundation Board of Trustees, and has chaired the Partnership Gifts Committee. This year she was elected the foundation board\u2019s chair. \u201cGod is calling me to do this,\u201d she said. \u201cIt feels like a call!\u201d Anderson joined the board three years ago, as the seminary\u2019s strategic plan, \u201cServing the Promise of Our Mission,\u201d was being considered.\u201cIt just resonated with me. \u2018This is where the seminary should be going,\u2019 I thought. I was aware of the need for increasing the financial resources of the seminary to carry out the plan.\u201dThe Called and Sent campaign promises to build upon that vision, she said. \u201cWe\u2019re working on developing new programs and expanding the kinds of programs already offered here. It will help to develop professional and lay leaders who are called to reach out in innovative ways with the message of the gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ask John Steel why he serves as a Luther Seminary volunteer and he\u2019ll tell you it\u2019s an arrangement where a little effort goes a long way.A retired marketing and sales executive for the electronics industry, Steel has served on the seminary\u2019s board of trustees and has chaired the Major Gifts Committee for two years. \u201cIt\u2019s easy to get totally engaged with the seminary\u2019s work, the strategic plan and the obvious passion of all those who serve at and with the seminary,\u201d he said. \u201cTheir focus and commitment to the seminary\u2019s mission is contagious.\u201dSteel\u2019s service is motivated by his desire to financially make it possible for students called to ministry to attend seminary. \u201cThe Lutheran church needs future leaders. And Luther Seminary is an outstanding seminary with many gifted students,\u201d he said. \u201cHowever, developing leaders costs both the student and the seminary a lot of money today. Even more will be needed in the future. Anything I can do to increase the amount of financial support so generously and cheerfully given to the seminary will serve the future of the Lutheran church well.\u201dSteel\u2019s passion for ministry is to pass on the gift of spiritual growth that results from the ministry of effective Christian leaders. \u201cMy wife, Gail, and I have received ministry in many a deep and meaningful way from our church leaders,\u201d he said. \u201cFaith-filled leaders produce faith-filled followers. Whatever we can do to pass on this gift is a treasured opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
David Hayes and his wife, Andrea, have financially supported Luther Seminary for eight years. David is a member of the Luther Seminary Board of Directors. The Hayeses recently contributed $25,000 to refurbish a pipe organ acquired by the seminary from St. Olaf College. The organ, now valued at nearly $100,000 because of the refurbishment, will serve as a much needed practice instrument for students in the seminary\u2019s master of sacred music program.Church music has had a great impact on David\u2019s life. A trained musician, David studied organ for 10 years, and he served as a substitute organist for two years. \u201cMusic is a gift from God,\u201d he said. \u201cThere is nothing more thrilling for a trained church organist than to lead a congregation of voices in a vigorous hymn of faith or praise.\u201dWhether it is by music or preaching of God\u2019s Word, the Hayeses have a strong passion for getting the word out about the gospel. \u201cWith all the issues the church faces from time to time that are controversial, and as modern times bring ever-new pressures from a secular society into our lives, we sometimes get caught up in the issues of the day and lose sight of the cross,\u201d said David. \u201cWe must remain focused on getting the good news of Jesus Christ out into the world.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Four profiles that encapsulate the value of giving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5984","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"issue-second-quarter-2004","7":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n