When the coronavirus pandemic and statewide shutdown hit Illinois in March, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund decided to offer aid for church workers whose ability to provide for their families was jeopardized.
The two entities pledged $2.5 million for COVID-19 relief and immediately granted $28,500 to each LCMS district through the Soldiers of the Cross program, a long-standing aid program for church workers. The districts would be able to distribute the funds more expediently than the central office in Saint Louis, which could make quite a difference for families in need.
In the Northern Illinois District, those funds, plus a 20% match by the District, were fully expended in supporting church workers by late May. As of June 17, an additional $14,000 in support has been granted, this time through the National Synod Office in Saint Louis. More than 20 workers and their families have been helped throughout the District.
With the financial support of the Northern Illinois District and other LCMS entities, this fund is available to all church workers whether called, rostered, or lay workers, who serve in our Northern Illinois District ministries (congregations, schools, and RSOs).
Your Help is Needed
The need is urgent. As you are able, please prayerfully consider supporting this initiative for our church workers in the Northern Illinois District through your gift of any amount. May the Lord richly bless your generosity.
For updates on Synod’s support granted through Soldiers of the Cross, visit their web page.
Published 7-1-2020