Capital Campaign 2023-2026

                                           Grounded In Gratitude…

                                                            Revealed In Prayer…

                                                                             Lived In Faith

An opening letter from Senior Pastor, Marshall Johnson

Over the years St. Luke has been a faith community that does not ask you to leave your intellect at the door, but rather encourages that you use it to probe and strengthen your faith.  The ministry of St. Luke has not been limited to tearing down ancient symbols of belief; instead, it has wiped away the patina of ancient understandings and infused these ideas with fresh understanding.

This work is not complete.  In fact, it has barely begun.  Currently, in our culture fewer people believe in God than at any other time in our history.  Does this mean people have become less caring, less moral or less spiritual?  NO – they have paused part way through the process of a maturing faith.  They have identified where their faith and the teachings of the church diverge.  They have focused on the moment when they just can’t believe what they are being told nor the way the church describes a life of faith.

St. Luke’s ministry, compassion and service are needed now more than ever.

The building project (funded by a Capital Campaign) that is being proposed includes major changes to the Sanctuary, main restrooms and offices of the church.  The key goals of this proposal are Accessibility and Hospitality.  A successful campaign will result in a more welcoming and modern church that will benefit our existing members but will also be more inviting to new people.

Please check out the Campaign information and links on this page.  We will continue to add links to this page each time additional information is sent to our members between now and April, 2022.  Please also note the Q&A sessions in March which offer opportunities for you to ask whatever questions you have about the Campaign and proposed building project.

Exciting Campaign Announcement 05/05/23

Sunday, April 30, 2023, was the “First Fruits Sunday” of our Capital Campaign.  We have two exciting announcements to share.  First of all, to date, we have $1,935,144 pledged toward the Capital Campaign!  Second, after our First Fruits Sunday, we have received $524,945.  This strong start to our Capital Campaign is encouraging!

Details will be shared at a later date with regard to timing, construction, etc.  For now, there are a lot of steps to go through before we get to the beginning of construction.

Thank you to everyone who has pledged and to all who are already giving to the Campaign!

Giving to the Campaign

Even if you have not pledged, you can give to the Campaign at any time between now and April, 2026. 

Ways to give to the Campaign:

1)  Make your check payable to St. Luke and write “Campaign” on the memo line.  Place in the offering plate on any Sunday or mail it to: 
    St. Luke UMC, 11810 Burke Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

2)  Give online at St. Luke’s secure link:   https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=94019   (put “Campaign” in the memo box)

3)  For more giving options, go to the “Give” page on our web site:   https://stlukeumc.com/give-st-luke-united-methodist-church/

You Can Still Submit a Campaign Commitment/Pledge Card

  • Place your completed pledge card in the offering plate on any Sunday.
  • Email your pledge information to: roger@stlukeumc.com
  • Mail your pledge card to: Luke, 11810 Burke Street, Omaha, NE 68154

For a pledge card:  In the dark blue section “Clickable Links” below, click on the Campaign Commitment Pledge Card.

To view the video walk-through of the proposed project, click on the link below (please note that there may be an ad you need to watch before our videos plays):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2DyT6Euj6c

View architectural renderings below of what the completed project might look like:

Entering the bell towers, church office on the left, restrooms on the right

Sanctuary/worship service space

Hospitality & visiting area

Clickable Links for Brochures & Information Pieces

(click on the gold titles below to view each document)

Campaign Brochure 1

Campaign Brochure 2

Campaign Q&As

Thoughts on Giving

Campaign Commitment Pledge Card

Why a building project? Why now?

St. Luke members have a right to be proud of our church and its mission. But the realities of today’s world require that St. Luke be more accessible and welcoming than ever. We realize that additional funds must be raised for the needed improvements in accessibility and hospitality. There’s no more important time than now for our campaign!
John Deardorff

I have three young kids and the thought of our church growing and improving for their future makes me feel like they have a chance to keep their faith strong, and eventually raise their own children in a community of faith like ours.
Rachel Jensen

Our sanctuary and gathering areas are tired and uninviting to young adults and families. Most of us have remodeled or updated our own homes over the last 30 years. We need to update and brighten up St. Luke so that when young people arrive they don’t feel like they have stepped into their grandparent’s church.
Wade Goehring

I have watched St. Luke grow over the past 50 years. Each step was beneficial, but unknown as to its result. I believe this is another needed and beneficial step in the growth of our church. I expect it to prepare [St. Luke] for the next 30-40 years.
Larry Uebner

The timing of this campaign is critical. So many churches are struggling coming out of the pandemic. We have an opportunity to provide a statement to the community that we are growing in faith and outreach and our doors are open for new members.
Craig Howell

There are several elements of the planned renovation that excite me. Of course it is necessary to rebuild the bathrooms to make them handicapped accessible. I am also eager to see the sanctuary with more natural light in the morning and the improved A/V equipment. Relocating the A/V booth will also make for easier communication.
Becky Reilly

I like the “wow” factor resulting from the virtual tour of the proposed changes. It easily and clearly shows the significant changes and improvements.
John Deardorff

I believe our church needs to grow to serve the youth and families so that it can sustain in the future. An improvement in our building is a great first step in exciting our congregation and community.
Rachel Jensen

Covid hastened the decrease in church attendance. We can’t delay this any longer.
Wade Goehring

This is the most deliberate fundraising campaign [St. Luke] has undertaken. It has involved a year of meetings involving congregation members. The results of the campaign will indicate how the fundraising goal can be reached before final plans are put into place.
Larry Uebner

The only way to effect these changes is with money. St. Luke’s people, programs and mission are very important to me. I plan to support the campaign to bring about the changes that I think will sustain them and help them grow.
Becky Reilly

St. Luke is a truly unique church and congregation. But to be a successful and vital church going forward, St. Luke must make some needed changes. Raising funds to improve accessibility and hospitality will ensure the future success and growth. Why now? WHY NOT NOW?
John Deardorff

Questions?

If you have questions about the Campaign or proposed building project, feel free to contact the Church Office

at churchoffice@stlukeumc.com or 402-333-6886 ext. 300.