The “Future Is Now” ... A 125th Anniversary Thank Offering
Committed To Celebrating Our Past While Expanding The Kingdom In The Future

We all enjoy celebrating a milestone in our life ... our birthday ... wedding anniversary ... baptismal and confirmation anniversary, all immediately come to mind. The Michigan District is also celebrating an important milestone in our history ... 125 years of serving Michigan congregations. Formally organized in the late 1800’s, the Michigan District has a deep and rich history. From the early days of pioneer missionaries who started schools and churches in the Saginaw Valley to disciple the saved and evangelize the lost, the network of congregations and ministries who continue to form the Michigan District today remain as committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To expand the mission of the Michigan District, its Board of Directors determined that the long term goals for the Michigan District should further what our forefathers started. With this in mind, they established two goals which are the basis for the 125th year and beyond celebration. They are:

  • Intentional Mission Development

  • Recruiting, Supporting and Deploying Professional Church Worker Students

Within these two goals lies a significant part of the Michigan District’s future ability to have an impact on the growth of Christ’s Kingdom. In fact, we see these two goals as being so important that we believe the, "The Future is Now," which is the title of the 125th Year Thank Offering which is dedicated to the completion of these two goals. A successful 125th Anniversary campaign will expand the Kingdom as the saved are served and the lost are reached.

For The Future Is Now Thank Offering to reach it’s goal of raising $10 Million for the two previously mentioned purposes, the generous and faithful participation of many individuals and congregations is needed. Please prayerfully consider how you personally, or your congregation can financially and prayerfully help, as many individual and congregational donations are required to place $5 Million into each area.

For information on the 125th Anniversary Thank Offering, or to secure a speaker for your congregation or church group please contact Ray Zavada, Development Executive for the Michigan District. Mr, Zavada may be reached at 888.225.2111 (toll free) or at ray.zavada@michigandistrict.org. To make a contribution, please contact Ray Zavada, or mail your tax deductible donation to Michigan District-LCMS, 3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Our prayer is that each individual, congregation or church group who is part of the Michigan District will help make a difference for the future of our church in Michigan that can only happen through shared purpose, common goals and commitment to growing Christ’s Kingdom.

12 Ways to Financially Support the Future Is Now 125th Anniversary Thank Offering or Other Ministries of the Michigan District

  • Make an immediate donation by sending a check made out to “Michigan District”

  • Make a pledge commitment over 1-3 years

  • Invite a Michigan District representative to speak to your congregation or church group

  • Make a bequest/ planned gift (will, charitable trust)

  • Give a no longer needed life insurance policy, or purchase a new policy and make the Michigan District the beneficiary (We can show you how)

  • Make a gift of stock, real estate or other item of value

  • Complete a gift annuity naming the Michigan District as the beneficiary(Contact the Michigan District for an application)

  • Donate a no longer needed car, truck or other titled vehicle (Call Ray Zavada at the Michigan District for instructions)

  • Host a gathering of personal friends to hear a Michigan District presentation

  • Hold a fund raising activity in your church, church group or service organization

  • Make a memorial contribution in memory of a loved one

  • Make a donation in honor of a family member or friend


Evening of Laughter with Ken Davis - May 3, 2008 7:00 p.m. - Concordia University, Ann Arbor

To learn how you can make a donation through Project 12 Baskets click here.

For more information on planned giving, please visit www.faithfulsowers.net.