Dear Friends in Christ,
From our congregation’s beginning, Triumphant Love has shaped who we are and how we serve. As we enter this season of harvest and gratitude, we see how deeply our mission statement, Inspire people to live boldly in God’s triumphant love, connects with stewardship. Too often, stewardship is reduced to finances—but it is so much more. It encompasses creation, community, and the many ways we share God’s love, including our contributions. This year, as you prayerfully consider your 2026 pledge, we are highlighting the stories of three members who Boldly Live through TLLC and are Inspired to Give at TLLC. We invite you to be inspired by their example by offering your time, talent, and treasure.
Paul Hanusa
I’m a lifelong Lutheran whose faith journey began in Wisconsin, where I was born and raised. I’ve been a member of Triumphant Love for two years, drawn here by a desire to be part of a congregation that doesn’t just talk about action—but lives it. What I found was a community of passionate people, each boldly moving their ministries forward with purpose and care. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board of Ministry, advising on Adult Faith Formation, joining the Care of Creation team, and participating in outreach efforts like Community First and the Crop Walk. I also served on the Audit Committee, where I saw firsthand the strong financial foundation that allows TLLC to grow and serve with confidence. There are so many ways to get involved here—if you haven’t found your place yet, keep looking, because it’s here. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I received and the sense of belonging that came quickly. This is a church that acts, and I’m proud to be part of it.
As we enter this season of stewardship, I invite you to join me in giving boldly—trusting in God’s abundance and investing in the vibrant, forward-moving mission of Triumphant Love.
Suzanna Pittman
My family first came to Triumphant Love through the CDC in 2016. All four of my daughters have been CDC children, and now that my older two are in elementary school, they are making friends in the Youth Ministry. I pride myself on having held almost every role in the CDC–from parent partner, to board member, to educator. I give this time and engagement because this little preschool embodies what it means to live boldly in God’s triumphant Love–to serve God through the love we give. Recently, my family has become involved on the church side of the community, where we have been met with that same outpouring of support. We have found a home where we can be our authentic selves. This acceptance has given us the confidence to boldly live and inspires us to give back to the TLLC CDC and community.
Alice Bassett
Wil and I are both lifelong Lutherans. We actually met at Camp Chrysalis as high schoolers, and worked as cabin leaders and YARPs during college at TLU. As kids, both Wil and I grew up serving in our churches as lectors, acolytes, and ushers. In adulthood, we now more fully understand that serving through our church brings a deeper sense of belonging and connection to God than simply being present at worship. It’s often been in the hardest chapters of our lives that serving became the most meaningful, offering a kind of joy and healing we didn’t anticipate. As we raise our boys, it’s a gift to see them discover that same joy—whether it’s flipping pancakes or sharing their musical gifts in worship. When we joined TLLC last year, one of our first family conversations was about how each of us was feeling called to share our God-given gifts here. TLLC makes it so easy to jump in and contribute. For us, giving—whether time, talents, or resources—feels less like a duty and more like investing in the ways God is working through this community.
How much should you give? That’s a decision between you and God. As you pray for guidance, remember the focus is not on what others may do or even what the church needs, but on your own faithful response. For some, bold generosity may mean a modest increase; for others, it may mean a much larger leap. Wherever you are, we invite you to prayerfully consider “giving your best” from a place of abundance and joy, using this prayer:
Gracious and generous God, Creator and Giver of all that is good, we thank you for our many blessings. We acknowledge that all we have is from you. We offer you thanks and praise for the beauty of the earth, our work, our family, our loved ones, and all the gifts we have been given. You are with us always. In each dark hour, you are here. In each bright hour, you are here. Blessed by your grace, may we show gratitude by sharing what we have been given. Amen.
I hope you will join us in answering the call to Boldly Live. As you pray for God’s guidance, consider how you might embrace bold generosity in response to the blessings you’ve received. You may consider using this Personal Plan for Generosity Growth chart below designed to help you reflect on your decision and discern how you can be Inspired to Give in your stewardship of God’s financial gifts.
Below is a table calculating suggested percentage of monthly giving options based on Annual Income.
What does Boldly Live – Inspired to Give look like?
It looks like this…
TLLC Retires the Mortgage!
Vicar Ian Clarke Receives Firnhaber Seminary Scholarship
Camp Hope Staff
… and so much more when you live boldly in faith with us!
Grace and peace,
Carl Teinert,
Chairperson of Holistic Stewardship
Rev. Danielle Moore Casey,
Senior Pastor
Boldly Live – Inspired to Give Stewardship Team
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