Lent: Almsgiving

Almsgiving—charitable giving to those in need—has long been considered one of the three Lenten disciplines of Christ’s people.

Jesus’ words “when you give to the needy…” (Matthew 6:1-4) remind us that faith in Him manifests itself in works of love and mercy. As God has so blessed you, please consider helping someone in need this Lenten season. Below are a few ways to help out members in need, those in the armed forces, and a listing of noteworthy charitable organizations that reach out to this community and around the world.

Gift Cards for Members in Need

Area gift cards in any amount are always welcome to help out members in need. An “Alms Fund” has been established for this purpose. Simply submit one or more gift cards to Pastor Mumme or the Board of Elders, who will distribute them as needs arise in the congregation. Area gift cards sold through our Ladies Aid “Manna” program include: Dominicks, Jewel, Meijer, and Walmart.

Donations for Those in the Armed Forces

Non-perishable food items and small toiletry items are always welcome for the “care packages” we send to members in the Armed Forces. A list of suggested items and a donation container are located in Luther Hall.

Noteworthy Charitable Organizations

To help provide basic human care needs to those in our country and around the world (including relief for the people of Japan who recently endured a major earthquake and tsunami):

LCMS World Relief and Human Care

P.O. Box 66861

Saint Louis, MO 63166-9810

lcms.org/ca/worldrelief

To help provide hot meals and food and clothing pantry needs to those in the northern Will County area:

MorningStar Mission Ministries

350 E. Washington Street

Joliet, IL 60433

morningstarmission.org

To help provide pre-packaged meals for those famished in third world countries:

Feed My Starving Children

6750 West Broadway

Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

fmsc.org

For more information about any of these organizations, please check out their website or talk to Pastor Mumme. Each of these organizations accepts donations via mail or online.