Introduction
Christ on Capitol Hill is centered around a vision of Christ as tree of life. Even in difficult seasons, God is with us. When it seems like no growth is happening, often that is exactly when the growth is happening underground, when we are “putting down good taproots.” As we are beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are creating lots of new ways of being a community. In many ways we need to create a new “normal”—much as we might long to go back, we cannot return to the place we were before the pandemic. We are rooted in God and ready to bring forth new fruits. We are looking forward to opportunities to get back into our community and create, to “make this our Spring,” our summer, our year of co-creating with God who makes all things new.
Vision
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. [Isaiah 43:19]
If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! [2 Cor 5:17]
Christ’s Mission
We are a diverse people brought together by the grace of God to share with others what we ourselves have received.
Ministry Initiatives
Christ will Steward Its Building & Create in Community
Christ is already acting as host to the newly forming Good Neighbor group, meeting regularly in order to envision our hopes and dreams for this intersection of neighborhoods that meet at Capitol-Rice. This year, we will be preparing to be open to all that God plans to create here, step by step saying “yes” to what is unfolding.
Increased gifts will make it possible to…
Work with partners to access a Minnesota Historical Society grant to begin a three-phase project to restore the integrity of all parts of the exterior, a renewal that is essential for the long-term viability of the building.
Actively recruit and say “yes” to partners and creative collaborations that come our way, welcoming advocacy groups and other partners who benefit from the kitchen, catering services, and the new streaming capabilities of the sanctuary.
Christ Will Form Emerging Faith & Justice Leaders
Christ is a teaching congregation. We welcome and learn with emerging church leaders from many different backgrounds. As a diverse and unique congregation, Christ is able to be a home for diverse and unique emerging leaders. This dynamic makes Christ an important resource to both the church here and throughout the world.
Increased gifts will make it possible to…
Support our Pastoral Intern in partnership with Luther Seminary through May 2023.
Increase Youth leadership development & justice through partnership with the Riverside Innovation Hub, AYTI (Augsburg Youth Theological Institute), and this year support MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) & the ELCA Youth Gathering.
Christ Will Sustain Excellence in Ministry
Christ’s “dream team” includes pastor and staff who lead dedicated volunteers in bringing Word, Sacrament, and Service ministry into being daily. Among all the gifts that pour from this place, Shobi’s Table utilizes the newly-renovated kitchen to offer 3+ meals weekly, and through the work of our capable staff, a local theater company is holding rehearsals at Christ this fall.
Increased gifts will make it possible to…
Sustain full-time work & benefits for our Building & Events Manager, who will take on health code & scheduling responsibilities for the kitchen and ensure hospitality to groups who utilize the building.
Sustain the new part-time Communications & Office Administrator, who will make this change in focus possible and amplify our reach to new neighbors.
Meet Synod guidelines for cost-of-living increases to the whole staff.
Appeal Goals: Increased Offerings of $48,000 or more
Your joyous and generous response is welcomed.
The chart in the brochure points out where Christ’s giving is now and how Christ can reach this goal.
Invitation and Response
Please pray about our congregation’s mission and ministry together. Pray about your offering for the next year. Pray about your response to the letter from the Stewardship Team that will ask you to consider increasing your offering for the coming year.
If you have not yet had a chance to do so, complete your Create reply to Create 2022 and bring to worship or send it in the mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
As we see new growth arising by the work of the Holy Spirit, let us join with God in the joyful work of tending and building up this new creation. Trusting in God’s abundance, we share out of the many gifts we have been given. Christ the Tree of Life, who is creating the heavens and the earth, gives us all that we need. May we faithfully respond with the same spirit of generosity.
