Partners in Mission

The Partners in Mission Designated Offering Program at Grace is one of the ways that we are Reaching Out in Christ's Love. Each month, we pass the plate for an organization that aligns with our Mission, and about whose mission our members and friends feel passionately. Our impact is doubled thanks to the Grace Foundation, who match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $2,000/month.

November 2024:  ECLA World Hunger

Working with and through the ECLA congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran churches overseas and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

 

Hunger Facts:

  • Extreme poverty – living under $2.15 per day – affects 700 million people.
  • In the U.S., 37.9 million people live in poverty. 18 million people are food insecure, an increase of 1 million between 2022 and 2023.
  • Expensive housing. Today, over 22 million households must spend at least 30% of their income on housing, mainly because the U.S. lacks enough affordable apartments.
  • Climate change means 3.6 billion people live at risk of climate-caused disaster, risking their lives and raising the cost of living.
  • Advocate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. expanded the Child Tax Credit. While it expired in 2021, the expansion of this anti-poverty measure cut childhood poverty by more than 50%. The advocacy we do in our communities can make real change.

Learn more at elca.org.

October 2024:  Bridge House

At Bridge House, they provide a range of programs and services to help adults experiencing homelessness have access to the resources they need for a better future.

 

Many of you will remember the story Tom Dozier wrote several years ago in which he described how Steve, a man who had spent over twenty years in the Colorado State prison system, was released to the Bridge House, completed their six-month program, and was so inspired by what the Bridge House was doing that he returned as an employee to supervise one of their crews doing maintenance along the mall, bike paths, and the reservoir.

 

After a year he decided it was time to move on and he went to work operating a backhoe for a small construction company. Recently, Steve called Tom and said, “I’m in Boulder, how about getting together for coffee?” They got together and Steve told Tom he had been in Longmont to sign papers to go to work for Fiori, the largest earth-moving company in the Rocky Mountain region. Steve will now be operating these huge machines. Steve is proud of his new position, but the thing he is most excited about is that now he is going to have a 401k!

 

From incarceration to employment to all the trappings of a middle-class lifestyle, the Bridge House supported Steve and does this for others year after year. Tom declares "This proven program deserves our support!"

 

Learn more at boulderbridgehouse.org.

 

September 2024: CU Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry has been a lifeline for college students for generations (maybe you were part of campus ministry?), and continues to be today. The CU Lutheran Campus Ministry has been connecting with students for years, providing a life-giving community where folks can find a place to belong and experience the benefits of being in a supportive and affirming community.

 

The Bread+Belonging Tuesday night meal is open to all university students. Students come from all kinds of denominations and backgrounds, and some have no faith experience.

 

We know this: coming together in a community to enjoy each other is a grounding and life-giving part of any college experience.

 

The weekly Bread+Belonging gathering is their main event, including dinner, dessert, and fellowship on Tuesday evenings. Sometimes, they just share dinner. Other days, they might host conversations on advocacy, faith, anti-racism, and current events.

 

Learn more at lutheranbuffs.org.


Below are the organizations we have contributed to over the past few years through our designated PiM Offering.