ELCA Good Gifts are a creative, meaningful way to support the ministries of the ELCA. These gifts are real examples from projects currently supported through ELCA churchwide ministries: the ELCA Fund for Leaders, ELCA Global Church Sponsorship, ELCA New Congregations, ELCA Vision for Mission, ELCA World Hunger, Disability Ministries and Lutheran Disaster Response. Each of these programs is a long-term, partnership-based ministry that focus on the needs identified by local congregations and global companion churches and their communities.
Donations are used where it is needed most within the wider category of each gift selected. For example, a gift of vaccinations may be used to support other health care initiatives. This allows our church to stay adaptive, flexible and effective in the work that we do.
Many other organizations are doing wonderful work around the world, and some do work in similar ways. A main difference between the ELCA and other programs is that this church receives almost all of the money to fund its work directly through its congregations and members, and almost all of the money that we distribute goes to support the work being carried out by our congregations, global companion churches and ecumenical partners. This is unique because the church is our delivery system. It is successful because the church is present in far corners of the world and already connected and trusted in communities. And finally, it is sustainable. Our churches and partners are the ones who identify local needs and solutions; we just help make those dreams a reality.
A woman may have the dream — and the leadership skills — to start her own small business. But with little savings or access to credit, getting started can be a challenge. A microloan can be just what a woman needs to start her business — weaving, baking or running a storefront, for example — to create a steady source of income and, even better, help her family overcome poverty. And as she repays the loan, the funds are reinvested in a cooperative so that the cycle of giving will continue to grow.
The ELCA’s global companion churches have identified young, driven women who excel in their studies and have great potential to lead their communities. They are ready to continue their schooling, and that’s where you can play a role. With scholarship support and a spot in one of our ELCA colleges or universities, we help a woman complete her education in business, women’s rights, peace studies or other areas. After their education, these women return to their home countries ready to assume important leadership roles.
Animals (Formerly referred to as God’s Global Barnyard)
Pennies are collected every Sunday in a galvanized pail. Over time, and with some anonymous gifts, a significant amount of money is collected. The youth of our congregation then decide what animals will be purchased through this program.
For general information on ELCA Good Gifts and/or to make a donation, CLICK HERE.