For the past weeks, you’ve heard how our Equipping the Saints mission appeal has begun to support synod-wide ministries and our global partners. Maybe you are wondering, “What about our congregation? How does ETS provide support to our congregation and our dreams for ministry?”The answer is that approximately 36% of all funds raised for ETS will be directed back into Greater Milwaukee Synod congregations through the Innovation and Collaboration initiative. Early in the new year, congregations will be able to begin to
With the support of a grant from the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, funds from Equipping the Saints will have a significant impact on the life and ministry of the synod with the hiring of Pastor Afi Dobbins-Mays as the Assistant to the Bishop for Authentic Diversity and Leadership. This position is one of the primary areas of focus in the leadership initiative of the campaign.Pastor Afi (pronounced a-FEE) is rostered in the United Methodist Church and will begin her service with our synod
Grace Lutheran Church in Thiensville stepped forward as a first-round congregation but took a unique and creative path for engagement. The congregation completed the campaign in October 2022, meeting its goal. Pastor Bill Beyer tells the congregation’s story:“At the 2021 Synod assembly the call was set forth for congregations to join the first-round efforts of the Synod’s Equipping the Saints ministry drive. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit, the voting members “raised their hand” to learn more about the
Four congregations volunteered to serve as First-Round Congregations for Equipping the Saints. Faith Lutheran in Cedarburg was the fourth congregation to conduct the five-week campaign and completed the appeal in May 2022.Congregational leader Cindy Dellegrazio shares the meaning of participating in the campaign:“When we first set our goal for Equipping the Saints, I was concerned that we would never achieve our target. I was delighted to see how the congregation responded to this appeal. Not only did we exceed our goal by
The Equipping the Saints mission appeal includes a 10% tithe to ministries outside of the synod, with the first tithe sent on the total funds received in 2021. The tithe for the leadership initiative was sent to our two global partners.In May 2022, the Diocese of Meru used these funds to host a three-day Leadership Training event for parish pastors and other leaders on active listening and other leadership skills.Participants Share the Impact of this Training“One of the greatest challenges facing our
Four congregations volunteered to serve as First-Round Congregations for Equipping the Saints. Holy Cross in Menomonee Falls was the third congregation to conduct the five-week campaign and completed the appeal in May 2022.Donna, from Holy Cross shares the meaning of participating in the campaign.“My contribution to the Equipping of the Saints mission appeal is to help our church and other churches to help others as I have been so blessed with my life. I pray the goal is reached.”The Equipping the Saints
One of the two primary initiatives of the Equipping the Saints mission appeal is Innovation & Collaboration, with Outreach for Hope designated as the recipients of Collaboration funds. OFH received an initial grant in March of 2022 to develop long-term fundraising and planned giving capabilities to ensure long-term viability for growing collaborative ministries. With the grant monies, the Executive Director and Board met with a fundraising consultant to discuss and vision ways that the ministry could encourage and support collaboration
The Equipping the Saints mission appeal includes a 10% tithe to ministries outside of the synod, with the first tithe sent on the total funds received in 2021. The tithe for the Innovation & Collaboration initiative was sent to the Refugee Resettlement Program of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.Sarah Halstead, Church Relations Liaison for LSS, shares the meaning and impact of this tithe:When fleeing war and persecution it can feel like nothing short of a miracle to find safety, opportunity and
Four congregations volunteered to serve as First-Round Congregations for Equipping the Saints. Gloria Dei in Menomonee Falls was the second congregation to conduct the five-week campaign and completed the appeal in late March 2022, exceeding their goal.Pastor Jaime Larson-McLoone shares the meaning of participating in the campaign.Gloria Dei was in the midst of our Equipping the Saints campaign when I arrived as pastor. It was such a gift to start my first call and right away see how enthusiastically and generously the congregation responded to the
One of the two primary initiatives of the Equipping the Saints mission appeal is Leadership, with Lutheran Campus Ministry designated as one of the recipients of Leadership funds. LCM received a first grant in 2022. Additional funds will be directed toward planned giving and other fundraising efforts to ensure Campus Ministry remains a strong and significant partner in raising up the next generation of leaders and sending them into the world empowered to serve for justice, hope, and peace.Testimonies from a recent LCM Alumni
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