Our Memorial for Luke

by Joe and Sarah

We continue to be overwhelmed by everyone's love and support for our family during this time.  We've never written anything like this before so please forgive us if this sounds even the least bit assumptive as that is the absolute last way we want this message to come across.

Back in October when we actually started to think and ponder ways we wanted to remember Luke after he had passed, we were overwhelmed with all of the avenues there are out there for memorials- personal ones, public ones, donations to organizations, trees, bricks, plaques, markers....  so many options and so difficult to decide....so we didn't...until recently.

We have spent a lot of time talking about Luke and how he fits into our story as a couple and as we re-traced our journey together, our conversation led back to Heartland Community Church where we first met and began our life together.  We thought it would be perfect to help create some kind of memorial to Luke at Heartland rather than ask for donations in his name to be given anywhere else...it felt right for both of us. 

Heartland is a church with a focus on making people who may not attend church regularly (or ever) feel comfortable in exploring getting to know Jesus.  Even just thinking that our sweet little Luke's life could help facilitate that even a little bit brings us great hope.  While we have a good idea of what his actual memorial will be, the exact details are still in the works as there are lots of factors and variables at play.  But we have been given the A-ok to do something very special there in honor of Luke and we are completely thrilled to think about the joy it will bring us and about how we will be reminded of his sweet spirit each time we walk through the doors of the church we love.  All donations made to Luke's fund will go towards creating this memorial for Luke, and to helping Heartland continue its mission.

So, again, without any expectations, we have established a memorial in Luke's name at Heartland and we would appreciate donations being made there in lieu of any flowers being sent to us.  Heartland has made it very simple to donate to his fund and we wanted to pass along that information to you.  The steps are as follows:

1. Go to Heartland's Website  www.heartlandchurch.org
2. In the upper right corner is a tab marked- 'give online' - click this
3. On the next screen on the left side is a link marked 'one time gift' - click this
4. Complete this page and in the category of "to" - scroll down to 'Luke Leimer Memorial'- select this account
5. Finish completing screen and submit
 or
You can send a check to 

Heartland Community Church
12175 S. Strang Line Road
Olathe, KS 66062

via the U.S. Mail and they just ask that in the memo portion of the check you write Luke Leimer Memorial so they know which area to deposit the money.

Heartland is a member of the ECFA a highly regimented financial accountability accreditation program.  You can click on the link to learn more about their financial accountability.  We share this information so that you may know that when we (and Heartland) say this money is going toward something specific, it truly is and won't be shuffled into some other area on the sly.

We thank you so much for your generosity and for wanting to help us create something truly special in Luke's memory and honor and would love to have you come see it when it's completed!

Photo Credit: Janae W. with www.imijfoto.com thanks for letting us use your beautiful photo of Heartland.