Change is coming to Lake Road. The latest estimate I hear is that by next spring, work will begin on Lake Road to build sidewalks and to create a center turn lane. This will be an overall improvement as far as the church is concerned bringing us even greater visibility. As I look back on the purchase of the corner property, I recall how surprised we were that the deal went through at all. With every step we took another door opened until at last it was ours. It was a lot of work but do I recall people's enthusiasm in taking down those hedges and trees that completely blocked a view of the church. I remember people telling me that they did not know the church was there until after the hedges came down. It turned out that there were more benefits from the purchase of the house that we had first imagined. What to do with the house now that we had it? Without the house we could not have afforded a full time youth director. The benefits of Brian's presence in building our youth program all flow out of that initial purchase.
Many of you have been faithful in helping retire the debt on that property. Let me recap where we have come from. In September 2004, we purchased the corner property for $260,000 plus there were closing costs, improvements and a loan payment reserve which amounted to a total of $280,000. Upfront dona-tions of $117,000 (amazing!) brought the loan for the house to $163,000. We took out a 10-year loan at 5% with the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA. If we paid everything we have down on the loan we would currently owe about $55,000. At the urging of the Finance Ministry Team, we believe that we have the wherewithal to retire that debt within a year. We think that it's time to plan a party - a mortgage burning party. We want to retire this debt early so that we can get on with other needed projects around the church. (Did anyone mention the roof?) I share this history with you to let you know what's coming. In the coming months, you will be hearing more about the drive that is being planned to retire this debt. But for now I wish to say thank you to all those who have helped us come this far. Without you we would not be experiencing the benefits we now receive.
Thank you for your generous hearts.
Pastor Charles

A full copy of our newsletter can be found on our Web page.  The newsletter is published in PDF format, making it easy to view, save, or print a copy.  Please visit the newslettter link on our home page to learn more about what's happening at Milwaukie Lutheran Church!  www.milwaukielutheran.org.

 

We are looking for people to serve on the MLC Leadership Council. The term of the current Council will draw to a close at the biannual meeting on Sunday, July 11, where a new slate of officers will be elected. We are starting the nomination process soon, so who do you want to see in one of the positions? There are openings at all levels. Council members serve a two-year term.

 

It's the time of year to be thinking about Day Camp! This year it will on August 9- 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is a suggested do-nation of $40 per child/youth. Kids entering kin-dergarten through 8th grades are encouraged to participate. As always, Lutherwood will be send-ing four fun-loving counselors to run a crazy fun camp! Look for registration materials in the mail or check with Brian Brown. We will need Sen-ior High and adult volunteers, so mark your cal-endars and let us know where you can help!