"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts  as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep  you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s  people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is."

EPHESIANS 3:17-18 NLT 

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Rooted and Rising Weekly Videos

Rooted and Rising | Week 1 | Barb Baumert

Rooted and Rising | Week 2 | Tim Darnell

Rooted and Rising | Week 3 | Bobbi Lindeman

Rooted and Rising | Week 4 | Blake Plath

The Vision Behind Rooted and Rising

Bethany’s vision is simple and bold: to inspire people to follow Jesus so that more and more people experience the love of God on a daily basis. That vision shapes everything we do—from the way we worship, to how we welcome guests, to how we serve our community. It’s the reason this congregation exists, and it’s what drives us to keep growing into the church God is calling us to be. The vision for the next season of ministry is clear: to become a community where invitation is easy, transformation is real, and the challenge to grow is expected. We believe faith isn’t a program to attend but a life to live—one formed in worship, strengthened in relationship, and expressed in service. When we talk about Rooted and Rising, we’re not just talking about construction. We’re talking about creating the kind of spaces purpose-built around our core values of Spiritual Formation, Community Enrichment, and Kingdom Building. It is these values that serve as the foundation for our vision to come alive:

The Plan
Expanding Our Home. Extending His Kingdom.

This campaign is both practical and spiritual. It’s about more than buildings—it’s about reach. About preparing a church home  that reflects the energy of our ministry and makes room for the people God is bringing next: families searching for faith, students  longing for purpose, neighbors looking for belonging, and friends who need hope.

Why Rooted and Rising, Why Now?

Unprecedented Doors are Opening
  • Families are choosing Bethany for their children’s spiritual  formation
  • Community members are seeking authentic connection and hope
  • Refugee families are finding refuge and new life in our area
  • Seniors need community and care in growing numbers
The Timing is Divine
  • Our ministries are healthy and growing
  • Leadership is unified around this vision
  • The community need has never been greater
  • God has prepared our hearts for this moment
We Have What It Takes
  • Proven ministry effectiveness over 30+ years
  • Strong leadership and volunteer base
  • Clear vision rooted in Scripture
  • A congregation ready to step into God’s calling

What is at Stake? Kingdom Impact!

When you invest in this vision, you’re not just funding  buildings—you’re igniting more and more Kingdom impact:

  • 70 more children taking their first steps of faith each year
  • More and more families discovering Bethany as their spiritual home
  • 100 more middle schoolers growing stronger in their walk with Christ each year
  • More and more rooms for adult discipleship to flourish throughout the week


  • 6,000 more square feet unlocked for ministry and  outreach every day
  • More and more classes diving deep into God’s Word each evening
  • 5,000 more square feet for Sunday gatherings and community enrichment
  • More and more of God’s love made visible acrossWestern Douglas County

Your Partnership with God's Vision

This vision isn’t about what we can accomplish in our own strength—it’s  about what God can do through our faithful obedience and generous  partnership.  You’ll have the opportunity to make a three-year commitment in a way that  fits your life. Some will give weekly or monthly; others may offer one-time  or asset-based gifts. Each offering, given in faith, becomes part of what  God is building here—trusting that the One who has done immeasurably  more in our past will continue to provide for our future.

The Bible verse Ephesians 3:20-21 in a dark blue font on a light cream background, giving glory to God who can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

The Rooted and Rising Campaign Goal $5 million

This goal empowers Bethany to grow-rooted in our foundation and rising in strength and reach. It includes: 

  • New Build: Phase one will create a 15,000 sq. ft. Early Childhood Building, home to Bethany First Steps Preschool and  Childcare Center, with room to expand Journey Kids ministry.
  • Renew Spaces: By freeing 12,000 sq. ft. of existing space, we will meet the growing needs of student and adult groups.  Renovations will include a flexible, open-concept lobby designed to welcome community gatherings throughout the week  and enrich Sunday mornings. 
  • Replace Systems: Achieving this goal allows us to proactively replace aging mechanical systems and upgrade first-generation  kitchens and bathrooms—ensuring our facilities continue to support vibrant community life without costly emergency repairs.

    • Stretch Goal $7.5 million

    Reaching this milestone provides an additional $2.5 million for campus enhancements. These improvements—such as pickleball  courts, new ball fields, upgraded lighting, and landscaping—will expand ministry opportunities through youth camps, family  activities, and sports leagues for all ages.

     Stewardship Note: Delaying replacement of outdated facilities and mechanical systems increases the risk of unexpected  expenses outside the operating budget, potentially impacting existing ministries.

    What it Will Take to Achieve Our Goal 

    Together To fully attain our goal of $5 M the following gifts in the quantities listed will need to be received by Bethany Lutheran Church.  

    A gift table chart for a fundraising campaign. Columns show Number of Gifts, Value of Gift, Section Total, and a Running Total that reaches $5 million.

    Contributions to the Rooted and Rising Campaign may be committed in the form of a one-year gift or a three-year pledge gift.  Payments toward commitments will be gratefully received on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis and on a beginning/  ending schedule convenient to you.

    Calculating Your Gift

    Over time, gifts make a significant difference. Should you wish  to make a three-year pledge, the following may be helpful in  calculating your gift to the Rooted and Rising Campaign:

    A chart breaking down monetary values into amounts per week, month, year, and a total 3-year amount, showing how small expenses or savings add up.

    Best Ways to Make a Gift


    Bethany Lutheran Church FEIN 47-0415801 

    People may decide to contribute to this campaign in the same manner as they contribute to other ministry gifts. Contact  Theresa Kreifels, Business Manager in the church office, with questions. If you are making a donation from your investment  portfolio, please alert Theresa so she can confirm that the gift has been received and designated to this campaign as intended. 
    • Cash or check. Write “Rooted and Rising Campaign” on the envelope or check memo line.  
    • Online giving. Use the Give link on our website to make an electronic donation via checking account, savings account, debit  card, or credit card. “Rooted and Rising” select from the drop-down menu.  
    • Stock or Mutual Funds. Use the Give link on our website to select Stocks and take advantage of potential tax savings. “Rooted  and Rising” select from the drop-down menu.  
    • IRA (Qualified Charitable Distribution). Make a contribution from your IRA to take advantage of potential tax savings. Consult  your financial advisor to discuss your opportunities and note “Rooted and Rising Campaign” on the check stub or memo line.  
    • Donor-Advised Funds. Designate the grant for “Rooted and Rising Campaign.”  Company Match. Some employers match gifts to charitable organizations. Your employer may certainly designate their  match to the “Rooted and Rising Campaign” if that is part of its gifting policy. Many employers will accept a contribution  statement or donation receipt. Theresa can provide you with a contribution acknowledgement tailored to your employer’s  specific needs.  

    We appreciate everyone’s thoughtful and prayerful consideration of the Rooted and Rising Campaign, and we strive to  accommodate the various ways in which those gifts can be made.

    Commonly Asked Questions

    Q: What am I being asked to do?  
    A: Pray first. Ask God to guide you in how you might participate in Rooted and Rising. Then make a financial commitment—  whatever fits your circumstances and calling. Some will give a one-time gift; others will make a pledge spread out over three  years. Every response matters. You will start this journey by filling out and returning an intent card with a financial commitment.  

    Q: When will gifts be received, and how long will the campaign last?  
    A: The three-year giving period will begin in late Spring 2026 and end in Spring 2029. Gifts can be given weekly, monthly,  quarterly, or annually—whatever works best for you.  

    Q: Is my gift above and beyond what I already give to Bethany?  
    A: Yes. Your regular giving continues to support Bethany’s ongoing ministry—worship, outreach, and daily operations. Your above  and beyond gifts to Rooted and Rising are an additional expression of faith that makes this once-in-a-generation project possible.  

    Q: What if I can’t make a large gift?  
    A: That’s okay. Every gift counts. When all of us participate, generosity multiplies. God does amazing things when His people  give together.  

    Q: Can I give assets other than cash?  
    A: Absolutely. Some households may choose to give from stock, mutual funds, IRAs, donor-advised funds, or other assets. These  kinds of gifts can offer tax advantages and often make a larger impact than expected. If you’re interested, our finance team  can help with the details.  

    Q: How will these funds be used?  
    A: Every dollar designated for Rooted and Rising will go directly toward the campaign goals: relocating and renewing early  childhood spaces, and replacing and renovating facilities.  

    Q: What if circumstances change after I make my commitment?  
    A: Life happens. Your pledge is a statement of intent, not a legal contract. If you need to adjust your commitment, simply let us know.  

    Q: Why does this campaign matter?  
    A: Rooted and Rising is about preparing Bethany to serve the next century of believers. Together, we’re expanding our home  and extending His kingdom—trusting that God will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.  

    Q: Will we need to increase debt?  
    A: In order to finish all phases Bethany will need to meet the 5 million goal, plus additional debt. Any debt increase will be offset  by the projected revenue from the lease arrangement between First Steps and the Church.

    Three women sing into microphones on a dimly lit stage. The center woman wears a 'He Is Risen' shirt, while the woman on the right raises her hand in praise.


    Rooted in a Remarkable Past,  
    Rising Toward an Immeasurable Future      

    Bethany has always been more than a building. It’s a people—rooted in God’s Word, grounded in grace,  and growing in faith. For a hundred years, this congregation has carried the Gospel through every  season with courage and generosity. Because of that faithfulness, lives have been changed, families  have been strengthened, and the love of Christ has reached farther than any of us could measure.  

    Now it’s our turn. The Rooted and Rising Campaign is not just about preparing for the future; it’s  about saying yes to the God who has always provided for Bethany. It’s our opportunity to create  spaces where new stories of faith will begin—where children, students, and adults will experience  the transforming power of God’s love for generations to come.  

    As we look ahead, we hold fast to this promise:  

    “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according  to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus  throughout all generations, forever and ever.” 

     Rooted in gratitude, rising in faith, we trust that the next 100 years start right here.

    Ways to give

    Here are some easy ways to support the Rooted and Rising Campaign.

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