September 2022
Source: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (2022/8/11). 37 grants awarded during Phase 1 of the Million Dollar Life Match https://reporter.lcms.org/2022/press-release-million-dollar-life-match-grants-awarded/
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod announced the congregation recipients that have received grants during Phase 1 of the 1 John 3 Initiative Million Dollar Life Match. The program, which offers a total of $1 million in matching grants, seeks to support LCMS congregations involved in providing beginning-of-life care in their local communities. The 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.
Among the LCMS congregations receiving grants were five congregations from the LCMS Northern Illinois District. They included:
Category: Congregational projects directly caring for families experiencing challenges at the beginning of life
- Our Savior Lutheran Church, Carol Stream, Illinois
Category: Partnerships with LCMS Recognized Service Organizations
- Bethany Lutheran Church, Naperville, Illinois
- St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Illinois
- St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, Schaumburg, Illinois
- Trinity Lutheran Church, Burr Ridge, Illinois
Life ministry has become an established ongoing mission of the LCMS Northern Illinois District. Educating people about life issues and providing opportunities to put faith into action is the dual focus. Established in 2015, the group was given the broad assignment of creating a pro-life climate within the LCMS Northern Illinois District
The NID Life Task Force has formally accepted the following mission statement:
Affirming God’s Will to create and sustain mortal life in the anticipation of Life in Christ, The Northern Illinois District Life Task Force’s mission is to connect with church workers and their congregations by presenting unique educational and outreach opportunities about the reverence of life from conception though natural death.
The Life Task Force utilizes District communication vehicles (NID website nidlcms.org, NID Email Newsletter and the LCMS Northern Illinois District’s Facebook page). Learn about more task force resources and events to promote God’s gift of life. See updates on area life activities.
As the District office, we carry out our mission by upholding three pillars. These pillars direct our work together in the vision laid out for us.
WORD: Helping congregations be more centered on a rich life of Word and Sacrament, with congregational support in transitions as well as time of joys and sorrows.
WELLNESS: Promoting and encouraging health and vitality in congregations, schools, ministries, professional workers and lay-leaders.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.