20/20 Vision Offering Appeal

February 18, 2008

Dear Pastor,

This is an invitation for your congregation to join other congregations in our Synod in observing Rogate Sunday, April 20, as 20/20 Vision Sunday, and to receive a special offering for 20/20 Vision as a tribute to Bishop Philip L. Hougen, who will be retiring later this year.

Over these past 12 years, Bishop Hougen has placed a special emphasis on spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we moved into a new millennium, he envisioned a program to respond to the Great Commission through the planting of new congregations. Because of his foresight, the Synod Assembly, in 2001, unanimously adopted an initiative to start 20 new congregations in the first 20 years of the new century, to be accomplished outside the regular budget of the Synod.

That program is 20/20 Vision, and since 2001, the generous response from members and congregations has helped our Synod to launch six new ministries, including the newest, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in North Liberty, which held its first worship service September 15, 2007.

One of the main sources of support for this great outreach ministry has been the Annual Appeal for 20/20 Vision. I want to encourage you to observe Rogate Sunday, April 20, as 20/20 Vision Sunday in your congregation (or you may choose another Sunday this spring). By making this year’s 20/20 Vision special offering the best ever it will be a wonderful tribute to Bishop Hougen and his vision for spreading the Gospel.

You can help by bringing the 20/20 Vision appeal to the Congregation Council in March, along with your full endorsement of an extra special effort to urge members of your congregation to generously support the 20/20 Vision program. Through the efforts of the congregational leadership, the theme of 20/20 Vision, Every Member a Missionary, can become a reality.

Enclosed is a Resolution form for completion by the Congregation Council, an order form for the 20/20 Vision brochures and offering envelopes; and a sample copy of the new brochure.

Members of the 20/20 Vision Steering Committee deeply appreciate your partnership in making an extra special effort this year for support of 20/20 Vision as a tribute to Bishop Hougen and his passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you!


Joy and peace,

Clinton P. Schroeder
Chairperson, on behalf of the
20/20 Vision Steering Committee

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