ROOTED IN HOPE.
A capital appeal for the future we seek to create.
When we act from a place of hope, we demonstrate our faith in a better world ahead. It’s with this faith that Westwood is embarking on a $1.4 million capital appeal to strengthen our core capacities and lessen our environmental impact.
We invite you to join us in doing hopeful things today, for a more hope-filled tomorrow.
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Please click "Ready to Pledge" to complete the online form with your 3-year total pledge amount. To make an online financial gift, whether a one-time or recurring gift over the three-year period, click "Give Now."
Planting good seeds today—with a plan to grow and thrive.
The “Rooted In Hope” appeal plants seeds that allow this church to do things like reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and being ready and able to faithfully engage a changing world. As a church that leans into a mission focused on the thriving of our neighbor, our capital appeal strengthens our capacity to act—and act with agency as people of God.​
In broad strokes, "Rooted in Hope" will:
Renew our campus.
A well-functioning building allows us to live out our mission better and more broadly, with fewer emergency building expenses.
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On the exterior, we aim to replace three sections of our roof, as well as tuck-point, replace aging doors, and conduct structural maintenance to protect our building against the elements.
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We seek to upgrade our Good Shepherd Hall AV system, so community groups can use our facilities more easily.
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We want to address flooring and other interior improvements to keep our building looking good and working well.
Reduce our environmental footprint.
As we continue our journey of sustainability, we want to take measurable steps to be better for our planet.
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We will reduce (and, someday, eliminate) our reliance on fossil fuels by investing in high-efficiency HVAC components and a digital energy management system.
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With a goal of zero-waste operations, we seek to strengthen our stewardship mindset regarding recycling, reusing, composting, and waste.
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We want this land to be a sustainable and well-balanced habitat, with a priority on native species, tree health, and supporting wildlife.
Knowing water will always be a critical resource, we seek to capture rainwater for gardening and improve healthy water runoff.
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We also want to foster a culture of environmental stewardship as we become a resource for our community and faith-based partners to help drive real and meaningful change.
Reaffirm the wide welcome.
We're working to make the Westwood building inviting, smarter, and safe for all our communities.​
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We seek to make our building smarter, with intelligent access control, enhanced camera coverage, and remote building management.
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Upgrades like protective window films will keep our many-windowed building safe from both storm damage and break-ins.
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We want to add a welcome desk as an important first contact point. Our goal to remain open and welcoming is essential, even as we increase events and activities on our campus.
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We will train staff and volunteers in best practices for a welcoming and secure space. A new emergency notification system will provide quick communication when needed.
Three parts of the whole.
Our plan is to portion the appeal in three ways:
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50% toward environmental. ($700,000)
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36% toward renewal. ($500,000)
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14% toward welcome and security. ($200,000)
Planting good seeds today, so we might grow and thrive tomorrow.
While this appeal will benefit the congregation and our mission immediately, our motivation comes from envisioning Westwood Lutheran Church decades from today. We can do this now—and have impact for generations.
Help the appeal take root.
To help sustain the difference that Westwood makes in the world, join in.
Large gift or little, whatever you can give adds to the momentum of a fully engaged, future-focused Westwood community.
It’s why we ask you to prayerfully consider what you can give, whether of your time, talent, and financial resources. Play a part in creating the church we seek to more fully become—a Westwood that’s a place of faith, renewal, and service for generations to come.
Frequently asked questions.
How does “Rooted in Hope” fit with our vision as a church?
The campaign was built to reflect our core values and mission, and incorporates our five-year roadmap to be a benefit to our members and the community. Our goal is for Westwood to be a sustainable, inclusive, and safe community hub dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, healthy communities, and a welcoming environment for all.
Will this campus-focused appeal also give 10% outside our walls?
No. This 10% has been a part of past appeals, but more recently, we’ve moved to alternating between external and internal directed appeals. This has allowed us to strengthen our focus and efforts and get big things done well.
What is the length of this campaign?
“Rooted in Hope” will run three years, from the spring of 2025 through May of 2028.
Will there be short- or long-term debt related to this project?
Our current projections do not include any additional short- or long-term debt.
What is the difference between pledging and giving a gift?
A pledge only informs Westwood of the 3-year total amount you are committing to provide. Giving a gift is the actual financial transaction. This can be done through Pushpay with online giving by clicking the "Give Now" button on this page. You can also use cash, check, or other means.
Who should I contact if I have questions about pledging or giving?
If you have specific questions related to the pledge process or giving, please reach out via email to Westwood's finance team, Jane Severson or
Becky Arndt, or by calling the church office at 952-545-5623.
Where else can I learn more about the appeal?
There will be two Westwood Town Halls, on April 27 and May 4, 2025; you are invited to join in person to learn and ask questions. If you are unable to attend, replays will be posted here in the future.
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Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green, in the year of drought it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8