Fall Letter
Big Backyard Update
We are excited to share a unique opportunity to reduce the debt on Seminary’s beloved Big Backyard.
Join us this summer!
Join us on Sunday, June 23 for the 1:05 pm game as the Great Lakes Loons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits! Sunday is a great day to bring the kids to Dow Diamond, because each child aged 12 and younger eats free and can run the bases after the game! Visit https://fevo.me/mlsfoundation or click the image above to avoid the regular fees when purchasing tickets!
Join us for a fun day of golf, fun, and fellowship with fellow MLS supporters! Register and pay before June 15 to receive the special rate of $100 per golfer, which includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, dinner, and a gift! Click the image to register.
Join us for a fun way to support the foundation! The DryDock is an open-air beer garden in downtown Bay City. Stop by, purchase a drink, and it benefits the foundation! You’re welcome to bring food from Bay City restaurants to enjoy with your beverage. We’ll be hosting on July 24-27 from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm. We hope to see you there! Click the image for more information.
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Spring 2024 Update
Our Board of Directors met on April 21 for their quarterly meeting, and we have some leadership changes to announce!
Our former board president, Mike Krueger, recently resigned as he and his wife, Pam, have moved to Idaho. They joined their son and his family, who recently accepted a call to serve a mission start in Idaho Falls! Mike served over 17 years as board president, and Pam served many years on various committees of the foundation. We thank them for their 20+ years of combined service.
Mark Eubank (MLS ’71) informed the board that he will not seek re-election when his current term as vice president ends on June 30. Mark was part of the Booster Club when it founded the foundation in 2001, and has served in many different roles at the foundation since that time.
We express gratitude to God for the servant leadership demonstrated by these men during their tenure with the foundation board of directors. We also extend our prayers for God’s blessings upon their future pursuits!
Also during the April meeting, the board elected a new president!
Mike Scharrer is married to Brooke and they are thankful for 20 years of marriage. Together, they have been blessed with two wonderful boys, Caleb and Zach. Caleb is currently a sophomore at MLS, while Zach is eagerly awaiting his freshman year.
Mike and his family are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI and reside in Wixom.
Having graduated from MLS in 1998, Mike holds a special connection to the school and its mission. He has witnessed firsthand the Lord’s hand through MLS, not only in his own life but also in the lives of his family and friends who have attended MLS with many continuing on to Martin Luther College.
With a genuine appreciation and love for MLS, Mike is both thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to serve in a capacity that allows him to contribute to the MLS Foundation and to the school.
On May 17, 2024, order online and pick up at any Panda Express location nationwide! The foundation will receive 28% of the day’s sales when you use our fundraiser code 922493. Please remember to enter that code when ordering online or in the app.
Join us on Sunday, June 23 for the 1:05 pm game as the Great Lakes Loons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits! Sunday is a great day to bring the kids to Dow Diamond, because each child aged 12 and younger eats free and can run the bases after the game! Visit https://fevo.me/mlsfoundation to avoid the regular fees when purchasing tickets!
Join us for a fun day of golf, fun, and fellowship with fellow MLS supporters! Register and pay before June 15 to receive the special rate of $100 per golfer, which includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, dinner, and a gift!
Join us for a fun way to support the foundation! The DryDock is an open-air beer garden in downtown Bay City. Stop by, purchase a drink, and it benefits the foundation! You’re welcome to bring food from Bay City restaurants to enjoy with your beverage. We’ll be hosting on July 24-27 from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Stay in Touch
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media so you don’t miss out!
Did you see our email?
Many people who were already signed up for our email list reported that our events calendar email was not delivered, or was delivered to their spam folder.
While we work out the problems with our email service, did you know that you can tell your email server to deliver our emails to your inbox? You can follow the steps below, depending on the email service you’re using.
Please note that the directions below will likely only be visible when logging into your email service on a computer or tablet, not on a mobile app or browser.
Gmail
- Log in to your account.
- Click the settings gear icon in the top right corner ( ), then select see all settings.
- Select the tab called Filters and Blocked Addresses to then select Create a new filter.
- Enter @connectedview.com into the From section.
- Click Create filter.
- Select Never send it to Spam.
- Click Create filter again to save these settings.
- Repeat these steps with the domain @mlsem.org
Yahoo
- Log in to your account.
- Click the settings icon ( ) to access More Settings.
- Select Filters and Add new filters.
- Enter @connectedview.com to your safe senders list.
- Repeat these steps with the domain @mlsem.org
Outlook
& Hotmail
- Log in to your account on the web.
- Click the gear icon ( ) to access settings.
- On the left, click Mail, then click Junk email.
- Click +Add under Safe senders and domains.
- Enter @connectedview.com to your safe senders list.
- Repeat these steps with the domain @mlsem.org
JUNO
& Netzero
- Click Options and select Junk Mail.
- In the Do Not Block section, type @connectedview.com in the box under Add Address to Do Not Block List.
- Click the Add button to add the domain to the list on the right.
- Click the Save button.
AOL
- Log in to your account on the web.
- Open Contacts.
- Click New Contact.
- Enter @connectedview.com to your contacts.
- Repeat these steps with the domain @mlsem.org
Fall 2023 Update
Dear Friends of the MLS Foundation,
I hope this letter finds you with a thankful heart for all of the blessings our God provides from his gracious hand. I’m writing to express my sincere appreciation for your ongoing support as we strive to fulfill our mission of supporting our beloved school, Michigan Lutheran Seminary.
At Michigan Lutheran Seminary, we hold firm to the belief that faith and family serve as the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant campus. Every aspect of a student’s life on campus is focused on strengthening their faith and nurturing relationships that make them feel part of a larger family. In a world filled with challenges, it is often our faith and the bonds of family that provide us with strength and resilience to persevere. These are wonderful gifts from God! That is why your partnership is so vital in supporting the students who attend MLS. Your gifts play a pivotal role in sustaining the training and operations of MLS, enabling it to continue preparing future pastors and teachers at a time when the world needs more faith and family.
I pray you truly understand what a blessing your support is to the MLS Foundation and how it daily impacts the lives of the MLS students. Here are some areas where your support is needed most at this time:
- Gifts Given for the Greatest Need — This critical funding gives the Board of Directors flexibility to address the areas where help is needed most. By setting up a monthly donation of $10, $25, $50, or $100, you can support both current and future needs. Monthly support is invaluable for effective budgeting and planning. Our goal is to secure 100 donors to partner with us by establishing a monthly commitment to this fund. Please scan the code on the back of the reply below to schedule your recurring gift today! It will truly make a difference!
- Student Assistance Fund — Providing financial support to students is a very high priority of the MLS Foundation. We want to continue to provide a $100,000 annual distribution from this fund to MLS for tuition assistance. We have been blessed to provide this consistent support for several years. Funds given here may be used for tuition assistance, an educational program, a mission trip, or any other program that would benefit the students as a whole. Your gift to this fund ensures that students at MLS are receiving the necessary support to nurture their faith and develop as leaders in our synod and its churches.
- Capital Improvement Fund — The home and visitor bleachers, press box, restrooms, and concession area have been completed and enjoyed since the fall of 2021. It has been a wonderful addition to campus! We are now seeking funding to reduce the remaining loan balance of $372,840 associated with this phase of the Big Backyard Project. While using borrowed funds was part of the plan to complete the project promptly, eliminating this debt has now become a priority. Clearing this debt will free up resources for additional projects and programs. In recent years, the MLS Foundation has also been acquiring real estate around campus, now owning six properties. We intend to secure land on and around the campus for future strategic planning. Your contributions will enable us to maintain these properties and seize opportunities to acquire more if they arise. Please consider making a contribution to our capital improvement fund to support these endeavors.
Over the years I have witnessed the generosity of God’s people, and it continues to amaze me! Thank you for considering our appeal, and for embracing the values of faith and family. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of students who are preparing for work in the public ministry. On behalf of the MLS Foundation and its board, I want to personally thank you for your support and wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!
In Christian Service,
Joshua Wakefield
Donor Relations Director
MLS Class of 1996
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead!’ ” Matthew 28:5-7a (EHV)
Dear Friend of the MLS Foundation,
Easter greetings to you and your family! The tomb is empty! He is risen; he is risen indeed! May your hearts be filled with the peace of forgiveness as a redeemed child of God.
We can rejoice today and every day that our hope remains in Jesus for what he has done for us. His life, His death, and His resurrection were done for us. Now we get to share that hope and good news with the world; it is part of our calling.
Michigan Lutheran Seminary continues to teach, prepare, and encourage students for public ministry. What an awesome privilege it is for us to support that mission here at MLS!
Your partnership with the MLS Foundation helps with the training of those who will publicly undertake the call to share His gospel.
The MLS Foundation has provided much-needed support to MLS and its students for over twenty years! Since 2018, we have been able to provide over $100,000 each year for tuition assistance to help families provide a Christian education for their student(s). It would not be possible without your generous gifts! It is an investment in the future generation of gospel proclaimers. This is just one way you are able to directly impact the lives of students attending MLS.
Here are some other ways to support our mission as the MLS foundation continues to grow and expand.
- Gifts Given for the Greatest Need—Gifts of financial support help the MLS Foundation carry out its mission. This critical funding gives the foundation’s Board of Directors flexibility to help where help is needed most when making grant requests or giving out a distribution. Please consider a monthly gift of $10, $25, $50, or $100 to help us fund current and future needs. These monthly gifts would be a tremendous blessing!
- Long Term endowment—We are continuing to build a stable endowment fund. Each year only a portion of the fund is distributed to help with projects, tuition assistance, budget shortfalls, or whatever else MLS might need. The most recent distribution from the unrestricted portion of the endowment fund was nearly $50,000.
- Capital Improvement fund—Donations to this fund will help offset the remaining $379,801.62 loan for the Big Backyard Project. The project has been completed and in use for just over a year. It has been a great improvement to campus. All donations above and beyond that amount will help us support future projects MLS would like to plan for. We will be putting a concerted effort to pay this loan off as soon as possible so we can be in a position to help with other projects around campus.
Thank you again for partnering with the MLS Foundation in making MLS a great place for students to learn and grow in their faith. Your generosity has helped the students, the faculty, and the campus of MLS remain a strong part of the WELS preparatory system for the future called workers in Christ’s kingdom.
In Christian Service,
Joshua Wakefield
Donor Relations Director
MLS Class of 1996
A Fresh Start
For five months, the halls of MLS have been relatively silent. What a blessing it is to hear students’ voices back on campus! The start of a new school year looks a bit different this year, but what has not changed is our trust in God to bless our school and foundation.
Over the summer we began a new fiscal year at the foundation. It is a good time to reflect on all the blessings God has given us over the past year. We are so thankful for donors who help us achieve our mission of supporting MLS and its students!
A copy of our annual report can be viewed here:
Progress Continues on the Backyard Project
As soon as work was able to resume, quick progress was made on the new press box, concessions, and restroom facility. The underground electrical and water lines were run, and now the walls are being constructed!
Other News from the Foundation
Our gift card fundraising program, Shop with Scrip, has a new mobile app called RaiseRight. You can find all your favorite gift cards in the app, and your purchases help the foundation support MLS! There are lots of e-gift cards available (called ScripNOW) so you can email a card to your favorite student.
November Update
It’s hard to believe that October is over, and we are setting our clocks back this weekend as we head into the busy holiday season!
There have been many changes on campus these past few months. We installed new, safe bleachers for both the visitor and home sides of the athletic field. We are preparing for the next phase of the Big Backyard project, which will include a permanent press box, concessions stand, and restrooms. These will all be a great improvement to the campus of Michigan Lutheran Seminary. The MLS Foundation is thankful for the many generous donors who are making this project possible!
November also marks the kick-off of our annual Student Need Fund campaign called Light Up a Student’s Life. Every year in November and December, gifts to the Light Up a Student’s Life campaign support financial assistance for students attending MLS.
Those who give to the Light Up a Student’s Life program have an opportunity to make a gift in honor of, or in memory of, a special person. These gifts will be recognized by the lighting of a large Christmas tree in the commons. This year we were able to purchase a new 9′ tree, thanks to a Thrivent Action Team grant! For each $10 gift, a white light ornament will be placed on the tree with the name of the individual being honored or remembered. We will also send a Christmas card to the family or honoree recognizing your caring gift to MLS and its students.
Light Up a Student’s Life Information
At their October meeting, members of the MLS Foundation board of directors approved grant funding for three projects on campus. Gifts to the greatest need allow the MLS Foundation board flexibility to fund these special items when requests are presented from faculty and staff.
- We are pleased to provide shirts for members of the VIP group. These students assist with move-in day and giving visitors a taste of what it’s like on campus. They play an important role in encouraging grade-school students to consider attending MLS for high school.
- Grant funding was also approved for a set of portable disc golf goals. These will primarily be used for 9th and 10th grade PE classes, but students will also be able to check them out for use after classes and on weekends.
- Recently the student body mourned the loss of the 31-year-old ice cream machine in the cafeteria. It was a sad day on campus when the machine stopped working. Because it was so old, the parts were no longer available. The foundation board approved funding to purchase a new machine – just in time for the open house and Cardinal for a Day events that were held on October 25. The visiting grade-school students were thrilled that they could have ice cream with their lunch!
Be sure to follow us on social media for more information and updates!
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Welcome Back, Seminary Family!
It’s hard to believe, but summer is nearly over and classes began this week at MLS. As we begin another school year, we reflect and thank God for the blessings He has given the foundation and Michigan Lutheran Seminary. More information is available in our annual report.
Big Backyard Update
The home bleachers are now installed on campus, and they look great! We are excited for this improvement to campus, which will provide safe and comfortable seating for all who attend outdoor events at MLS.
The next phase of the Big Backyard project includes a permanent press box, a concessions area, and restrooms. Learn more and watch for updates on our projects page.
Tailgate Party
We have finalized plans for this year’s Homecoming Tailgate Party, and you’re invited! Join us under the big tent on October 4 for food, fellowship, and fun! Many reunion classes are planning to join us. If you are planning a reunion at homecoming, contact us and we will reserve your class a table together.
Scrip Program Updates
If you purchase gift cards for gifts or for your regular shopping, consider ordering them through the foundation to earn donations on every card you purchase! Physical cards are available as well as electronic gift cards that can be immediately delivered to your email address (or sent as a gift to any email address you specify).
A recent update includes the ability to easily link your bank account for payments and the ability to pay online with a credit or debit card. Using a card or instant payment means that your electronic cards will be delivered instantly – with no waiting for us to process your order!
Contact us for details and to get started with Scrip!
Backyard Update
The concrete base for the bleachers is being poured today. We are looking forward to the safe, new bleachers that will eventually be installed on top of this base! #MLSBIGBACKYARD
EAster Greetings
As we rejoice in our risen Savior, we can appreciate the earthly analogy that Martin Luther used about the resurrection: “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” What a wonderful reminder that the message of Easter is seen in all God’s creation as it awakens from the darkness of winter. From the beautiful Easter lily on the church’s altar to the budding of every shrub and tree in our yards, the renewal of the promise of our salvation and Christ’s victory over sin is shown to us.
This quote from Luther is also a simple way for us to share the message of what our Lord has done for all people. The awakening of the earthly world from the gloom of winter to the rebirth of spring is often a conversation between family, friends, and acquaintances. What an opportunity to compare the darkness of sin and the joy of the resurrection and salvation with these same people!
The calling to proclaim the Easter message to all nations has always been the foundation of Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Since 1910 the president, faculty, and staff have encouraged students to consider the work of the full-time ministry. We should never take this work lightly; but strengthen those at MLS with our prayers, conversations, and support.
The MLS Foundation joyfully continues our mission of supporting Michigan Lutheran Seminary and its students for the work of the church. It is our privilege to help with MLS’s current needs while also considering the needs of the future. Through the support of donors like you, we are able to make a difference in the lives of students attending our WELS preparatory school. We are grateful to you for partnering with us in the support of this training!
Below are some of the ways you can help with this life changing work.
Student Need Fund—We just made our second annual distribution of $100,000 to MLS for tuition assistance! Our goal is to do this every year! We currently have a balance of $32,578 in this fund. Your gift to this fund will directly impact MLS students, as gifts from this fund have been used for tuition assistance. Your gift to this fund will make sure the students at MLS are being supported so that they can grow in their faith and training as they prepare to be leaders in our church.
Capital Improvement Fund—Big Backyard Update—Thanks to many generous donors we are making progress and getting ready to start construction of the home side bleachers and a new press box. As many of you know, we installed new visitor bleachers last summer. Safety was a major concern for replacing both sets of bleachers. The old press box has been demolished and a new three-level press box that will include a concession area, storage, and bathrooms is planned for this summer. We need your help; your gift will help us pay down our Lutheran Association for Church Extension (LACE) project loan. The approximate cost to complete this phase will be $345,000.
Greatest Need—Gifts of financial support help the MLS Foundation carry out its mission. This critical funding gives the Board of Directors flexibility to help where help is needed most when making grant requests or giving out a distribution. These needs may be critical or emergency individual or campus needs.
Long-term Endowment—We want to continue to build a solid foundation and a lasting revenue stream for the future. Gifts to the endowment fund help make future budgeting more predictable based upon projected distributions. We currently take a distribution of 4% of the fund, based on the valuation date of December 31 of each year. Over the past three years, over $149,500 has been distributed from the fund to support the mission of the foundation.
In Christian Service,
Joshua Wakefield
Donor Relations Director
Please take a moment to visit our giving page to see more opportunities to make an impact immediately! You can also follow our Facebook page to see the many ways that the MLS Foundation assists MLS and its students through events and activities.
Big Backyard Update
Last week marked a big change to the athletic field – the press box was demolished to make way for the new bleachers, press box, concessions area, and restrooms.
As you can see from the photos and in the video, the roof was in bad shape. It didn’t take much to knock down the structure! We are excited for these much-needed updates to campus, which will provide safe seating for spectators and a safe & comfortable area for press and announcers to view the games.
Press Box Demolition
The foundation is so excited for the next phase of the Big Backyard project to begin! The MLS maintenance staff has begun careful demolition of the press box to make way for installation of the new press box (which will include restrooms and a concessions area underneath) and new, safe bleachers for the home section.
This project is being supported by the MLS Foundation’s generous donors, so it does not have an impact on the school’s normal operating budget. The project is being broken into phases which are being completed as funding becomes available. The first and second phases involved the office consolidation and replacement of the visitors’ bleachers.
Removing the siding – March 29, 2019
We’re Placing a Scrip Order Soon!
Order Deadline: 12/14/2018
We will be placing a Scrip order for physical gift cards, to arrive in time for Christmas.
Give a gift that gives back! Order gift cards through our Scrip program to earn donations for the MLS Foundation. Then use your gift cards for everyday purchases, like gas and groceries, or give them as gifts this Christmas season.
There are over 700 different retailers that participate with the Scrip program! View a list of cards available by visiting ShopWithScrip.com. For a limited time, many retailers are offering gift cards in denominations as low as $10!
Link your bank account using PrestoPay® to order eGift cards that you can download within minutes, or email to gift recipients!
View the Promotions page of our website or call for more information on how to participate in our Scrip program.
How it Works
- Buy physical gift cards, eGift cards, and reloadable gift cards at face value
on ShopWithScrip.com or the mobile website, MyScripWallet.com. - Easily pay online and earn a rebate between 2% and 16% that immediately
goes toward funding for the MLS Foundation. - Use gift cards for your shopping, or to give as gifts.
November News
Light Up a Student’s Life Begins
This November begins our annual “Light Up a Student’s Life” campaign, where donors can make a gift in honor of, or in memory of, a special person. Gifts will be acknowledged by the lighting of a Christmas tree in the MLS commons. We will also send a Christmas card to the person being honored or the family of the person being remembered as a way to acknowledge your caring gift to MLS and its students.
Gifts received through the Light Up a Student’s Life campaign benefit the Student Need Fund, which provides financial assistance for MLS students.
Christmas Gifts that Give Back
For many people, November begins the Christmas shopping season. Please consider using our Scrip program to give gifts that give back to the MLS Foundation.
Find gifts for everyone on your list while raising funds for our organization. Shop gift cards from over 750 top brands, including Best Buy, Amazon, Nordstrom, The Home Depot and more. Whether you buy the gift cards to give as presents to family and friends, or to use them to buy your gifts—our organization earns with every gift card purchased. It’s simple, it’s thoughtful and it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Shop the gift guide at ShopWithScrip.com/GiftGuide or click the image below.
Now It’s Easier to Use Scrip
We are excited to announce the new and improved PrestoPay process for ordering Scrip cards!
Now you can instantly link your bank account to ShopWithScrip and start shopping right away. Electronic cards are delivered right away to your email address – so it’s perfect for all your last-minute gift and shopping needs!
Step 1
Sign Up
Visit www.shopwithscrip.com and click on “Join a Program.”
Step 2
Your Account
Enter our enrollment code to link your order to the MLS Foundation. Please contact us if you need the code.
You’ll select two challenge questions and provide answers. This will help secure your account and will allow you to reset your password if you forget it.
Step 3
Set Up PrestoPay
Click the “Payment Types” link from your dashboard once you’re logged in to your account. Follow the steps to enroll in PrestoPay by instantly linking your bank account.
Step 4
Order
That’s it! You’re ready to click on “Shop” and order your cards. Select “ScripNOW!” for electronic cards that will be delivered to your email address within minutes, or select physical cards to have them arrive at the foundation office within a few business days.
Please note that using PrestoPay charges a small $0.15 convenience fee for processing payments. This will automatically be added to your total. Currently you can’t link a credit card because the fees would negate any rebate earnings that would be donated to the foundation through the Scrip program.
Here’s how using Scrip can help earn donations for the MLS Foundation:
Another Moving Update
Most everything is moved upstairs, and our former office is already being converted into a new faculty meeting space. We are still having trouble with our phones, so we appreciate your patience while we sort that out. Visit the About Us section of our website for alternative ways to reach us during this time.
Moving Week!
It’s official – we are in the process of moving our office upstairs. While we don’t expect much disruption to our normal office functions, please be aware that there may be a brief period of downtime while our phone lines are transferred to the new office.
Special thanks to the MLS maintenance staff for their help with the entire Big Backyard Project and especially with moving all our boxes and furniture! (Can you find Ed hiding behind all those boxes?)
The Big Backyard Project
Now that the MLS office consolidation is nearly complete, the next phase of the Big Backyard Project has already been started!
The visitor’s side bleachers are being removed today to make room for new, safer replacements. Watch for more updates, coming soon!
Foundation Office Move
The walls have been painted, the carpet has been installed, and we will be moving upstairs next week! Please be aware that this may affect our ability to answer phones and email on Wednesday through Friday as we work to transfer everything to our new space.
Watch for another announcement once we are settled in!