SOUTHWICK – Christmas came a little early for Christ Lutheran Church in the form of $1.5 million.
Dr. Jeff King, senior pastor of Christ Lutheran, said a $500,000 donation was made from a donor wishing to remain anonymous, along with a pledge to match funds raised by the parish of up to $1 million over the next three years.
“It’s our own Christmas miracle,” said King. “I was blown away by it.”
On Nov. 17, King received an email from someone he knows from committees he has served on, but never met before. King was asked to take a conference call with the man, who lives in another part of the country and has never set foot in the church. However, King said he knew of the work the church did with children through its two childcare centers.
“He was impressed with our mission and vision for young people,” said King.
King and the donor agreed the funds would be used or debt reduction, which would help the church, childcare centers, and church restaurant remain viable and sustainable.
“We were not in danger of imminent closure, but we have struggled with financial difficulties since the recession in 2008,” said King. “Because of the economy, we don’t have as many children enrolled.”
King said there are currently 115 children in the Southwick center and 47 in the Springfield center. At its peak there were more than 200 children in Southwick and 50 in Springfield, which is the center capacity there. The Open Arms childcare centers offer care and schooling for children ages six weeks to school age, as well as before and after school care.
King said he is “very proud” of the work done at the centers, which is what inspired the anonymous donation.
King announced the generous offer to the congregation Dec. 4. The $500,000 was received Dec. 1. King said the announcement was received with a standing ovation.
“This really helps,” said King. “We were falling behind in our mortgage and I was in meetings with the bank. This came at the perfect time.”
King said the church is now current with its mortgage payment and the matching funds will help the church pay at least half of its debt over the next three years.
The 10 year-old church building cost approximately $4 million.
“There has been a lot of stress and weight that I was personally carrying around,” said King. “Now we have a wonderful plan for our future and it came at a beautiful time of year.”
King said the donation also came during the 25th anniversary of being pastor of the church.
“It was like an anniversary gift sent from God,” he said.
To help Christ Lutheran Church continue its Christmas miracle make donations to its matching fund at Christ Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1107, Southwick, MA 01077. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar.
The congregation of the Christ Lutheran Church in Southwick could receive $1.5 million in donations and pledges. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
Dr. Jeff King, senior pastor of Christ Lutheran, said a $500,000 donation was made from a donor wishing to remain anonymous, along with a pledge to match funds raised by the parish of up to $1 million over the next three years. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
PASTOR JEFF KING
