“Blessed to be a Blessing ”
(Words from the Montana Synod Bishop: Montana Synod newsletter, April, 2008)
In April we begin to believe the promise of spring. This year Easter was early, just after spring began on the calendar. But it takes a while for our reality to catch up with our calendar. April means new life in the world-- rains, births, planting. April also means tax time, rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
This year, it turns out, Caesar is rendering back to us. The 2008 U.S. Economic Stimulus Plan means that approximately $1 billion will be distributed back to the 4.8 million members of the ELCA. This is an unprecedented opportunity for our church to lead the way in responding to the needs of the poor in our world.
The ELCA Conference of Bishops is encouraging members to devote a tithe of their rebate to ministries among people living in poverty. There are many different ways to do this. The ELCA World Hunger program is a natural choice. So is the Stand With Africa program, an emphasis within the Hunger Program that deals with HIV/AIDS.
Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response are international agencies that provide assistance and relief in areas of critical need. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service helps with resettling refugees. . . Each serves the poor, and each has many ministries that reach the marginalized of society. . .You may want to make a contribution to a program closer to home. . .In your own communities there are food banks, homeless shelters, transportation funds, meals programs. You may want to make a contribution to an agency in your own town.
You may want to split your rebate, so that some of it goes to local needs, some statewide, some international. The point is to use this government rebate as a teaching moment. Sunday Schools, Church Councils, women’s and men’s and youth groups can brainstorm about ways to make a difference for “the least of these, our brothers and sisters.”
This is an opportunity to pray, to research, to be in conversation with others. And it is an opportunity to give generously. . . I encourage all of you to give generously this spring to those who have so little.
“For as you did it unto the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it unto me.” May we all be blessed to be a blessing! And may we remember the poor.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bishop Jessica Crist, Montana Synod
Thank you for the idea, Bishop Crist. Why not set aside a portion (or all) of the 2008 U.S. Economic Stimulus that comes to your house for a gift to a deserving agency or program? You can send a gift directly to any of the mentioned agencies. Check out their web-site. ELCA World Hunger program has a goal of 25 million in 2008, Stand With Africa program, an emphasis within the Hunger Program deals with HIV/AIDS, Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response are international agencies that provide assistance and relief in areas of critical need. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is at work resettling refuges. Lutheran Community Service – Northeast Office continues to help rebuild children and families. The Eastern Washington & Idaho Synod has a relationship with the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese of Tanzania. The synod is seeking to provide $42,000 to build a dining and assembly hall for the Tumaini Secondary School. Hank Stelzer’s connection with Tsepo-e-Ncha Orphanage in Lessotho, Africa, is a place your gift could make a difference. You can also give to any of the above causes through Trinity Lutheran. Just make a clear designation as to where it is to go so that we can direct your gift properly. Hopefully you are also aware of local agencies that are making a difference for the poor and marginalized in Northern Idaho.
Make your own list of places to give. Why not may it a family affair, discussing with everyone at home the various ways you might make a contribution to ‘stimulate’ ministry and services to those with special needs. Then allow each person to designate a portion of the funds you have committed. Send the checks in the name of each who has selected that agency or program. Have fun doing this ministry of stewardship!
Trinity is a Christ-centered community of believers, saved and enlightened by God’s grace. We serve God by serving others.
Pastor Neal Buckaloo
Interim Pastor
©Trinity Lutheran CDA
design: wordsmith
