Educational Scholarships

The Foundation provides general scholarship funds to all qualified undergraduate and graduate college students of the congregation. Anyone from Spirit Lutheran who is interested in higher education, either at a college or technical school, is invited to apply. High school seniors who will graduate this spring and students who are currently enrolled in higher education, or to be enrolled, are eligible. Awards are not based on financial need or grades. 

The Foundation reviews all applications in April and informs applicants of their decisions during the month of May. Checks for scholarship grants are made out to the scholarship recipient's institution of higher education.

For additional information, please reach out to any Spirit Lutheran Foundation Board member.

SPIRIT LUTHERAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Application Deadline: April 30, 2023 @ 3pm

Submit Applications to: foundation@spiritlutheran.org or drop off at the church office in an envelope marked "Foundation."

Paper applications are available in the church office.

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Seminary Scholarships

The Foundation provides 80% tuition support (up to $10,000 per year) for approved congregation members enrolled in an ELCA seminary for the purpose of entering ordained ministry. This support assists students who are lifted up by the congregation for pastoral leadership and benefits the whole church by training a pastor for the office of Word and Sacrament.

View the Foundation Seminary Tuition Policy

Candidates will participate in an interview as part of approval process: Seminary Student Initial Interview Guide

For first year applicants, seminary students must bring the completed Tuition Funding Request at the time of their interview. Subsequent years must complete the Tuition Funding Renewal Request and submit to the Foundation.

Approved applicants will enter into a Covenant of Support between the student, Spirit Lutheran Church, and Spirit Lutheran Foundation: Covenant of Support

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Lay School of Ministry Scholarships

The Foundation funds tuition for those members of the congregation enrolled in the Lay School of Ministry, a two-year theological program of the NW Synod of Wisconsin. Members can request non-monetary support through the Congregation Council. Monetary support is provided from the Foundation.

LAY SCHOOL OF MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

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Luther Park Bible Camp

Spirit Lutheran Church utilizes this year-round camp as an extension of its own ministry. Spirit Lutheran Foundation has donated to various Luther Park Bible Camp capital campaigns throughout the years. In 2009, the Foundation donated $50,000; and a three-year capital campaign donation, from 2019 to 2021, of $100,000 was donated.

Outdoor ministry has supplemented the congregation of Spirit Lutheran Church for many years as children, youth, families, and seniors meet in retreat for faith nourishment and holy play. 

Spirit Lutheran Foundation has affirmed the congregation’s relationship with Luther Park Bible Camp. In the past, First Lutheran Foundation (now Spirit Lutheran Foundation) provided the funds to build the Emmaus Cabin. The Emmaus Cabin is a fully winterized, duplex cabin. Each bedroom has sleeping accommodations for 10 people as well as its own private bathroom.

Spirit Lutheran Foundation seeks to set aside funds to fully maintain the Emmaus Cabin and provide funds for youth camp scholarships so all can attend Bible Camp regardless of financial means.

BIBLE CAMP CAMPERSHIP APPLICATION

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Transportation for the Elderly

Spirit Lutheran Foundation provides free cab rides to any elderly member of Spirit Lutheran Church to attend church worship, activities, and events. This service keeps those unable to drive connected with the congregation.

For many elderly, there comes a time when it is too difficult to drive. The Foundation recognizes lack of transportation prevents many from fully participating in the life of the church.

Therefore, Spirit Lutheran Foundation provides free cab rides to any elderly member of Spirit Lutheran Church who wishes to travel to and from the church for worship, activities, and events. This wonderful service keeps those unable to drive connected with the congregation.

Those who wish to use the transportation service simply call the church office to let a staff member know what time they are to be picked-up at their residence and what time they wish to depart the church to return home. Arrangements should be made well in advance of the needed travel by calling 715-832-2421 during office hours.

Contributions to the Spirit Lutheran Foundation help ensure transportation is available regardless of the demand for such service.

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Church Capital Needs

Spirit Lutheran Foundation significantly supports the church in the area of capital improvements. Capital improvements are larger, more costly projects that are over and above the budget for repair and maintenance. The Foundation supported the 2020-2021 church's renovation with a generous gift of $584,000.

While the regular maintenance of the facilities of Spirit Lutheran Church is the ongoing responsibility of the congregation, Spirit Lutheran Foundation significantly supports the church in the area of capital improvements. Capital improvements are larger, more costly projects that are over and above the budget for repair and maintenance.

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Global Missions

Spirit Lutheran Foundation strives to compliment and support global mission efforts of the congregation.

Spirit Lutheran Foundation is committed to global missions. We strive to compliment and support the global mission efforts of the congregation. On All Saints’ Sunday, the Foundation makes a gift of over $20,000 to the global efforts.

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Pastoral Sabbatical

The Foundation has a dedicated fund to help support a sabbatical for clergy of Spirit Lutheran Church. Sabbatical leaves renew our pastors by giving them time away from the rigors of leading the congregation for the purpose of study, rest, and travel.