Dear siblings in Christ,
God’s mission in the world is served when vibrant leaders are supported in serving vital communities of faith.
Standing in the way of this goal is the heavy financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by many leaders and felt most profoundly by those serving in under-resourced communities.
Specifically, as a result of the pandemic, many leaders used up any personal savings they had built, had trouble affording housing or transportation, or had their work hours, salary or retirement contributions reduced. You or a colleague may have experienced one or more of these challenges.
To accompany leaders facing these situations, Resourceful Servants, an initiative of the ELCA churchwide organization and its ministry partners, is launching the Grants for COVID Emergencies program. Through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., this program provides up to 200 ELCA leaders with one-time grants of $1,000 and membership in the ELCA Federal Credit Union.
This program is open to ELCA rostered ministers as well as those who lead congregations but are not ordained (for example, synod-authorized ministers, non-ordained mission developers, and leaders of communities in the Vulnerable and Vital Network or Homeless and Justice Network).
This funding won’t completely resolve any financial crisis, but we hope it will give leaders some stability and further equip them to engage in ministry for the sake of the world.
Find out more about the Grants for COVID Emergencies program by visiting our website and reviewing the program overview booklet. You can also access the program application through the website.
The due date to complete the application is Oct. 23, 2022.
We are grateful for you and all you do to participate in God’s mission in the world. We hope this program will encourage you and those around you.
Feel free to email us with any questions
