Bishop Michael Rinehart

Beloved friends,

Thank you!

After the devastating winter freeze (compounded by the pandemic), we now celebrate an outpouring of generosity. With little notice, we embarked upon an Emergency Winter Freeze Appeal for the month of March. Nearly 140 people and organizations from 22 states responded with abundant generosity.

We started with a goal of $100,000. As of today, we have gifts and commitments totaling over $104,000 with gifts still arriving. The passion of Lent has blossomed into Easter hope!

The granting process is underway with some initial gifts disbursed. More grant applications are on the way. 

Because of this great generosity, Iglesia Luterana Principe de Paz has already received a check that covers their deductible, and more will be coming to support their humanitarian efforts. Augustana and Lakeside have also received grants. We look forward to sharing the stories of impact from these grants. Many congregations have increased their efforts in food distribution and meal preparation.

 
You are a generous people. The first reading for this coming Sunday April 18th (Acts 4:32-35) describes the generosity of the early church, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

Thank you for making this vision a reality today.