October 2022
Five LCMS Northern Illinois District ministries were awarded grants by LCMS Life Ministry through the Synod’s 1 John 3 Initiative Million Dollar Life Match, which is providing $1 million in matching grants to LCMS congregations involved in pro-life efforts in their local communities.
37 recipients were chosen after a careful review process that included input from staff of the LCMS Office of National Mission, LCMS district presidents or their representatives, and district life coordinators.
“It is exciting to learn about the variety of mercy work being done by LCMS congregations across the country and to partner with them to expand their capacity,” said Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, director of LCMS Life Ministry, who is overseeing the grant program. “There are some very creative projects that are providing spiritual, emotional and physical care. All of the projects chosen share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in the communities.” (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, August 11, 2022, Million Dollar Life Match Grants Awarded, https://reporter.lcms.org/2022/press-release-million-dollar-life-match-grants-awarded.)
Grants were given out in two categories to NID ministries:
Congregational projects directly caring for families experiencing challenges at the beginning of life
- Our Savior Lutheran Church, Carol Stream, IL
Partnerships with LCMS Recognized Service Organizations
- Bethany Lutheran Church, Naperville, IL
- Andrews Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, IL
- Peter Lutheran Church and School, Schaumburg, IL
- Trinity Lutheran Church, Burr Ridge, IL
The two other categories were:
- Supporting foster care and adoption in collaboration with local agencies
- Collaborations with local pregnancy resource centers
Additional grants will be awarded during two more phases of the Million Dollar Life Match. A second set of applications is currently undergoing the review process, and applications for the third phase will be accepted November 1, 2022, through January 22, 2023. All LCMS congregations are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about the 1 John 3 Million Dollar Life Match at lcms.org/serve/grants/life-grant.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.