Christians are stewards of this earth. Our first responsibility is the wise use and care of all the resources on this planet. Sharing is a way in which we enhance our lives. We share our time and talent with others. Through our church, we have the opportunity to provide those services needed for the functioning of our church and our outreach into the community and the world. God has given each of us unique abilities which we use to support ourselves and our families. In gratitude for all of God's gifts to us, and his providence in our lives, we return to him a portion of what we have received.Tithing is a goal toward which we strive. Scripture speaks of returning to the Lord 10% of our income. Not all people are at this level of giving, but all should strive to give some percentage of their income rather than just an arbitrary dollar amount. This makes stewardship a spiritual discipline. |
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Each year, the congregation commits to a level of support for the work of the greater church throughout the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition, we have also committed to supporting the work of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, our church's social service agency and the largest of its type in Illinois. Over the last five years more than $20,000 has been designated for LSSI.
Every second Sunday of the month we take a special second offering for hunger. This special offering is committed to those in need. We send 50% of the money received to the World Hunger Fund of the ELCA which distributes the dollars both in this country and overseas. We also contribute 25% of the funds to C.O.O.L. Food Pantry in Waukegan and 25% to Elijah's Pantry in Chicago. In this way we contribute almost $10,000 in additional support over our budget to helping those who hunger.