Ministries in Need
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YOUR URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED TO HELP ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH IN BEECHER, ILLINOIS, DESTROYED BY FIRE
In the midst of tragedy, God’s people remain faithful servants! Founded in 1865, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beecher, Illinois, was hosting its annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 19, when the church caught fire and quickly spread throughout the historic 156 year old building. The building is gone but the church remains strong. Rev. Michael Stein, Pastor, shared “The building is gone, but the church remains. The building served the church of St. Paul’s well for our first 150 years. The church, the people of St. Paul’s still stands. We proclaim the comfort, the forgiveness, the peace, and the joy of Jesus. We are reminded that even when things seem darkest, Christ’s light shines brighter.” In addition to the devastation of the building, St. Paul’s lost all of the church-related items and supplies, including the pastor’s computer. Working in partnership with the LCMS Northern Illinois District, Lutheran Church Charities set-up a fund to help Pastor Stein and the church during the recovery process. “We are God's house of living stones, builded for His habitation; He through baptismal grace us owns, heirs of His wondrous salvation. Were we but two His name to tell, yet He would deign with us to dwell, with all His grace and His favor.” Hymn #467, Built on the Rock the Church Doth Stand, The Lutheran Hymnal St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is a special part of this close-knit community. More than 30 emergency agencies responded throughout the afternoon. If you are so moved, please prayerfully consider donating generously to help Pastor Stein and the members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church during this challenging time. LCC, working in partnership with the NID District of the LCMS, is collecting money that will be used, Dollar per Dollar (100%) to help St. Paul’s rebound and continue to grow with their mission of touching lives with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ – and Salvation only in Him! Select "St Paul Beecher IL – Fire Recovery Fund" to give to this fund. (9/20/2021) SCHOLARSHIPS NEEDED FOR CHRIST THE KING STUDENTS
Scholarship Goal - $54,000 to Support 18 of the School's Total and Growing Enrollment through the 2021-2022 School Year Pastor John and Principal Geri Brazeal and Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, Illinois, have been pillars of hope and life in their community for 47 years. They have served their community faithfully, and as it has changed, they have as well, even to the point of foregoing a salary to keep teachers and a part-time technical staff person employed. Their investment in the lives of the community has made a lasting impact. As they are preparing to begin a new school year, it is crucial that they can continue serving their community. Christ the King has a proven track record of students, who learned their worth in Jesus, keeping them on the straight path, focused on making a difference in the lives of others, and staying away from an inner-city life, which could be so very easy to fall into. Principal Geri recently shared that “many of the new students are children of Christ the King graduates,” thus illustrating that the ministry and education are of foundational importance, which is being shared through generations. Supporting Christ the King Lutheran School is an investment in an incredible ministry where life-changing relationships are established, and an incredible education is earned. Your Donations Make a Difference in Magic's and Micaylah's Lives Magic’s mother shares that he enjoys Christ the King School, the staff, and his classmates. He understands that your generosity is what makes it possible for him to continue his education at Christ the King. The family is prayerful that the scholarship goal is reached. Micaylah’s mom shares that Micaylah’s love for animals has fostered and developed during her time at Christ the King School. She wants to become a zoologist. “No one can speak their language as she can. Her school is allowing her to make something of her life. Please help us keep her there so she can achieve her dreams. Thank you in advance for your consideration.” Please prayerfully consider sponsoring a child, $3000 for a year of schooling, or donate as you are able, that they may have hope for their future! Your generous donation will enable Christ the King to continue the ministry of Christ-changing lives through their dedicated staff. Select "CHRIST THE KING, CHICAGO, TUITION FUND" to give to this fund. (8/11/2021) RELIABLE VEHICLE NEEDED IN FLORIDA FOR A SINGLE MOM IN NEED
LCC received a request from Sheryl DeWitt, Executive Director of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (RLOM), LCC's ministry partner. The request for a vehicle is from the RLOM Florida Maternity Home in Sanford, Florida. Kierlena is a mom who has been with Redeeming Life for almost a year. She has an 8-month-old son and is getting ready to move into their transitional housing program to continue her journey toward independence and stability. Kierlena has been a delight to work with over the last year, and I have all confidence she would be a good steward of this kind of gift. Since giving birth to her baby, she has been working full time at a daycare center as well as working on getting her GED. She is a model resident! She was born in Haiti (she grew up in an orphanage there). She is a wonderful mother and very determined to make a good and safe life for her and her son. We love her dearly. Thanks to you and the entire staff for all you do to help God's people. Please let me know if you need anything further from us. Peace in Christ, Sheryl DeWitt Executive Director Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries If you have a vehicle in Florida to donate, please contact LCC at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities or call 866-455-6466. Please prayerfully consider helping Kierlena with the gift of a donated vehicle or a cash donation toward purchasing a used vehicle so that Kierlena can continue her journey towards independence. Select "RLOM Vehicle Fund" to give to this fund. (8/17/2021) YOUR DONATIONS NEEDED TO HELP SUSTAIN IMMANUEL-HILLSIDE’S PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOOD MINISTRY THIS SUMMER
Last week marked the first anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hillside, Illinois, inauguration of the Put Your Hands Together (PYHT) Food Ministry started in response to help families get through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many families are still in need. There are many LCMS churches and ministries that rely heavily on food donations to sustain their programming and begin new ones now that the pandemic is coming to a close. Immanuel, Hillside seeks your financial support and prayers to help sustain their PYHT outreach in the summer months to come as their program funding for the year has ended. They wish to continue to supply much-needed food to church ministries and other food relief organizations. Funding is required to cover the transportation costs that are increasing rapidly due to gasoline and pallet shortages. Truck rentals are required for pickup, delivery, and staging of large food donations at the cost of $1,050 per month, enabling them to serve over a dozen ministries per week. LCC appreciates your generous donations to help support this partner ministry. By putting our hands and feet together in the love of Jesus Christ, we can bring love to others in need. (5/26/2021) LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES IS PARTNERING WITH REDEEMING LIFE OUTREACH MINISTRIES, IMMANUEL LUTHERAN EAST DUNDEE, ILLINOIS, LCEF, AND THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT OF THE LCMS
Opening a home for UNWED MOTHERS in Carpentersville, Illinois Faith Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, Illinois, is a small congregation with a huge heart for mothers and babies. God has blessed Faith Lutheran with a parsonage in a gorgeous setting contiguous to the church. With four bedrooms and three baths, this house will make a beautiful maternity home after some remodeling and updating. Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries working with Faith on the terms of a purchase contract for this property. Meet the Host Church Family The official host congregation for the Carpentersville location will be Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, Illinois. Led by Pastor Bill Yonker, Immanuel is a thriving congregation with many opportunities for our residents to learn about Jesus and serve Him. We believe Immanuel will make a lovely and welcoming church family. Immanuel’s role is to provide spiritual support through worship, Bible study, and instruction classes and to simply love and accept the residents as dearly loved children of God. (The host congregation has no operational role in the home.) The home will be managed by local, full-time Redeeming Life staff under the supervision of Sheryl DeWitt, Executive Director. Financial support will come from the congregations and individuals who have a heart for preserving life through Redeeming Life’s maternity home programs. Why it matters! Stephen Williamson, one of the newest residents in Sanford, born on Christmas Eve. On the same day, Stephen was baptized, his mom was confirmed in the Christian faith. Now this precious family lives in the daily assurance of God's love. His mom is grateful for the support she receives from faithful servants like you through the ministry of Redeeming Life! For more information, contact Lutheran Church Charities and speak with Tim Hetzner, President/CEO. To make a donation, select Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries Carpentersville LCC operates with a Dollar In – Dollar Out funding process where EVERY dollar given for a cause goes directly to that cause or need, with LCC acknowledging the gift and overseeing that the money is used as intended. Your Donations Needed to Support St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Outreach Ministry to Ethiopian Refugees
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is surrounded by a sea of missional opportunities. Lutheran Church Charities was contacted by Sandi Grupe, Director of Christian Education (DCE), for financial assistance. They share the love of Jesus with a vulnerable group during these challenging times. Near to its place of worship, a community of Ethiopian refugees has become a significant part of the church’s outreach to immigrants from across the globe. This, through a Gospel-focused ministry, has birthed within their apartment complex. Through Bible study, prayer, English class, tutoring, and fellowship, many—including those from Muslim backgrounds—are experiencing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, this Ethiopian community is serving the spiritual needs of their neighborhood in an ongoing way. With the recent catastrophic weather events impacting Texas, many need assistance. The cascading effects from an event of this magnitude negatively impact the vulnerable in both visible and invisible ways. From lost pay and jobs to property damage, the challenges become life-altering. Thank you for partnering with LCC and St. Paul Lutheran Church in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable during this time. Your support directly impacts the ministry of the Gospel by strengthening those who are spiritually serving their community as they strive to recover. Please prayerfully consider donating to help St. Paul’s outreach ministry to Ethiopian refugees. YOUR CONTINUED GIFTS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT CHRIST THE KING, CHICAGO
On Monday, December 21, LCC Ministry Director Nikki Deacon, and LCC staff member Jamie Miller visited Christ the King, Chicago, Illinois. Pastor John and Principal Geri Brazeal were presented with your generous donations to be used in support of their staff and community.
Pastor John and Geri are preparing food bags for their community. Continuing their efforts to serve the homeless of Chicago, they will be preparing and delivering hot Christmas dinner to people living in tent cities, who typically only receive canned goods. Your support makes it possible for Christ the King to continue to answer the call, and serve all people in need. CLICK HERE to watch a video. 
FOOD DONATIONS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT NEEDED FOR FAMILY IN FAITH FOOD PANTRY THAT CONTINUES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY
Family in Faith Neighborhood Food Pantry in Glendale Heights, Illinois is a local food pantry that continues to operate following the necessary guidelines due to COVID-19. The pantry serves anyone living in DuPage County and is open one day a week providing essentials, non-perishable food items, and pet food. The pantry is open on the following days in May: Saturday, May 23; 9:00 am – 12:00 noon Wednesday, May 27; 3:00 – 6:00 pm The coronavirus has brought a greater need for food because of the loss of income for families. Family in Faith asks and is grateful for food donations or financial support to continue to serve the community in the current times of greater need. If you wish to donate food, there are some specific instructions to follow. Please contact the pantry at 630-903-8173 for instructions and to arrange delivery times. CLICK HERE for a list of needed items. Phil’s Friends Needs Items for Care Package
Phil’s Friends care package requests increased 43% this year. They need help collecting fulfillment items. These are their top 3 most needed items: Travel-Sized Lotion. Fleece Blankets. Puzzle Books. (Click highlighted text for AmazonSmile link & ship directly to either Hope Center.)
Voice of Hope Prison Ministry
LCC received the following request from Rev. Matthew Troester of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Matteson, Illinois:
Greetings, Lori Wilbert, the Deaconess for Voice of Hope Prison Ministry, continues to serve at Stateville Prison in Joliet, Illinois. She raises 100% of her support for this work and is out often telling about her work and encouraging the support of that work in the prisons. Attached is an article titled “Why Go To Prison,” written by Deaconess Lori. St. Paul's has supported Lori for many years now, and she is such a blessing to us as she shares her ministry with us, and encourages us to get involved, as we should. Please consider donating to help Deaconess Lori continue this important ministry. Peace, Rev. Matthew Troester St. Paul Lutheran Church Matteson, Illinois CLICK HERE to read the article titled “Why Go To Prison" Help St. MattheW's Soup Kitchen Serve
HOt meals to homeless, unemployed, seniors and Poor families 
For more than 27 years, St. Matthew Lutheran Church (LCMS) located at 2108 West 21st Street, Chicago, Illinois, has developed a unique ministry in the Pilsen Community to reach the growing number of homeless and unemployed people. St. Matthew is the only Lutheran church in the community with a Gospel-oriented mission to all the homeless and unemployed. The Comedor San Mateo Soup Kitchen provides hot meals to feed the hungry and shares devotions to feed their souls. At the same time, it provides services in English and Spanish in a poverty stricken community of mostly Latino families. During frigid winter temperatures, the soup kitchen's volunteers continue to cook and serve hot meals to the homeless, unemployed, seniors and poor families. The soup kitchen serves 200+ meals twice a week even though donations are down. Please consider supporting the important work of St. Matthew as they continue to reach out and serve those in need in their community. In the Name of Jesus, Pastor Sifuentes and Pastor Matthew Troester Designate Your Thrivent Choice Dollars Today!
Please consider designating your Choice Dollars to Lutheran Church Charities today! Your Choice Dollars will help us continue to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Please follow these steps: 1. Visit www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice. 2. Scroll down and select the "Get Started now" button 3. Log in and enter your user ID and password. Click on "register" if you haven't yet registered. 4. Find the number of Choice Dollars available to direct on the right side of the screen. 5. Find Lutheran Church Charities in the catalog of organizations. 6. Click on "Direct Now" to direct designated Choice Dollars. Thank you for considering directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars to LCC! |