In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Lutheran Disaster Response: Faith into Action

In Acts chapter 20, St. Paul is reminding the elders from the church in Ephesus, about the call of Jesus to live a life of humble service and great generosity.

2021 is the Year of Generosity, and our focus is on Funding the Mission. God has a mission, and God’s mission has a church, and God’s church is full of generous people who have abundant gifts and resources; gifts and resources that we are called to share. The mission of the Northwestern Ohio Synod is Sent by the Crucified and Risen Jesus to Make Disciples, Equip Leaders, Strengthen Parishes, and Nurture New Communities for the Renewal of Northwestern Ohio and the World.

The Northwestern Ohio Synod has been richly blessed this year, and I’d love for us to end 2021 the Year of Generosity by giving back to the greater church, for the renewal of the world. We are partnering with Lutheran Disaster Response, an incredible organization that provides substantial relief and resources to those who are struggling from COVID-19, political crises, and natural disasters. In 2020, Lutheran Disaster Response was active in 46 states and territories in the United States, and in 53 countries around the world, including in the lives of our global companions in Mexico, Serbia, and Tanzania.

As we have been given much, I truly believe that we can give back generously. The Council of the Northwestern Ohio Synod is encouraging us to partner with Lutheran Disaster Response and endeavor to raise at least $100,000 for our brothers and sisters in the United States and around the world. Please click here to give now via a secure link.

Be sure to also visit the Year End Ask page where you will find resources to support your parish in engaging this opportunity to be generous to our partners in mission, including worship resources, newsletter blurbs, bulletin inserts, and a link to give.

This Year End Ask began October 1 and will take us through the end of the year. In this Year of Generosity would you and your parish partner with us, with Lutheran Disaster Response, and with God, for the renewal of the world?

Please click here to view Thrive, a newly published electronic magazine packed full of inspiring stories from Lutheran Disaster Response.