ELCA MISSION SUPPORT
The ELCA recently published a brief summary of what our annual contribution to synod and the ELCA helps support. It’s a good snapshot of the many programs, ministries and initiatives of the ELCA both at home and abroad. Our community of Marin Lutheran Church is part of the larger church communities of the Sierra Pacific Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Numerous opportunities are supported by our gifts to mission that we would not be able to do on our own.
Every week, Lutherans across the country gather to worship. Many of us give to our congregation as part of this experience. ELCA members give about $1.6 billion annually as regular offerings to ELCA congregations and worshiping communities. When you give your offering, most of it stays with your congregation to fund its vital work. A portion becomes Mission Support, given by your congregation to your synod. In FY2024 the Sierra Pacific Synod shared $532,138 in Mission Support for ELCA churchwide ministries. Because of Mission Support, our hands can do God’s work in more places than any one person or congregation could alone. Together we experience the way of Jesus; discover community, justice and love; and help more people experience the difference God’s grace and love make for all people and creation.
Your MISSION SUPPORT funds a variety of churchwide ministries. 38% BUILDS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES in the United States by enabling us to:
• Plant and support hundreds of worshiping communities.
• Revitalize congregational ministries and reach out to their surrounding communities.
• Promote leadership opportunities, discernment and education through leadership initiatives.
• Support the work of seven ELCA seminaries and 27 ELCA colleges and universities.
• Host events and leadership opportunities for youth and young adults.
• Support regional work through directors for evangelical mission as well as candidacy and leadership managers.
• Prepare and implement a system for recruiting and assigning rostered ministers.
Thank you for $202,212 from the Sierra Pacific Synod for these ministries!
Another 23% GROWS THE GLOBAL LUTHERAN CHURCH and addresses issues around the world, enabling us to:
• Accompany new Lutheran churches, expand ministries and train leaders and evangelists.
• Send missionaries to accompany communities around the world.
• Address social inequities and work for justice.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with 149 other churches through the Lutheran World Federation to strengthen the church and its global work.
• Foster relationships between ELCA synods and 65 companion churches, for a total of 127 official relationships.
• Work with leaders and members of our African-descent, American Indian, Alaska Native, Arab, Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander and Latiné communities.
Thank you for $122,392 from the Sierra Pacific Synod for these ministries!
Finally, 39% STRENGTHENS AND SUSTAINS THE MINISTRY and MISSION of the whole church, enabling us to:
· Offer ministry resources and opportunities to lay leaders for networking.
· Develop social messages of the ELCA as topical documents to focus attention and action on timely, pressing matters of concern to church and society.
· Sustain ecumenical and interfaith relations.
• Partner with congregations and ministries across the church as they explore new, innovative ways of being church in a constantly changing world.
• Invest in technology and communications.
• Engage in research and strategic planning.
• Create and share resources for faith, discipleship, prayer, stewardship and worship.
Thank you for $207,534 from the Sierra Pacific Synod for these ministries!
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