Stewardship, in its simplest form, is the practice of generosity. It is essential to the daily expression of our faith. As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, we know that our community commitment to generous giving is crucial in responding to God’s abundant grace.
Each of us has a unique story, and we are part of a larger story that makes up the ELCA. Each of us as members financially support our congregation. Our congregation, in turn, supports our synod. And each synod contributes a portion of its resources to support the churchwide ministries of the ELCA.
As members of the ELCA, our faith in a loving God frees us to be generous and to boldly participate in God’s work in the world. Stewardship is not simply about paying the church’s bills. It is about how congregations can together live out God’s call to love our neighbor. We are open to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to participate in and contribute to God’s work in the world using all of the gifts that God has entrusted to our care. Mission Support — the portion of offerings that ELCA congregations share with synods and the churchwide organization — unites us in this vital, life-giving work.
Mission Support provides 80 percent of the resources to enable the ELCA to begin new ministries and accompany existing congregations as growing centers for evangelical mission. These funds also provide the staff and resources for the development of new leaders, partnership with churches around the globe, alleviating poverty, working for justice and peace, and so much more.
We are blessed as a synod to have benefited in many ways from the resources given to Mission Support. Take a look at the next two pages and give thanks for the many ways the Spirit is at work!
Many thanks to you! Pastor Annette