‘Together as Synod’ matching-grant challenge meets goal

Even though the “Together as Synod” matching-grant challenge for the month of November has met its goal of $250,000 earlier than expected, those who still want to make a contribution are encouraged to do so, notes Mark Hofman, executive director of LCMS Mission Advancement.

“Together as Synod” is an unrestricted account established to improve the effectiveness of the Synod’s ministry and mission.

The Nov. 1-30 challenge extended by an anonymous foundation offered a dollar-for-dollar match on any amount raised over and above what was received in unrestricted contributions during the same period last year ($49,817.66), up to a maximum of $100,000. (Read a related story, “Unrestricted matching-grant challenge starts Nov. 1.”)

This year’s challenge total — boosted by more than 1,000 contributions from “generous people in the LCMS from all over the United States” and the matching grant — is “five times the amount received in November 2015, all of it offered up to God with time to spare,” notes Hofman.

“While the matching grant is fully subscribed, it is clear that joyfully generous people see the value in supplying a gift that fills in gaps, flows where the need for mission-and-ministry dollars is greatest, and enhances the impact of all other gifts,” he said. “Unrestricted donations through the LCMS ‘Together as Synod’ fund are increasingly vital to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.”

Hofman said the LCMS “is deeply grateful in this season of thanksgiving for all who chose to be a part of this incredible and miraculous opportunity, and encourages others to join in the effort before the month of November ends.

“Meeting this challenge with time left before the end of this month is another example of God’s divine love for His Church. Even if any additional gift won’t be matched by the challenge grant, God will take it and multiply it in His own way,” he added. “It will be joined with the prayers and hopes of a thousand other people, as well as our anonymous foundation friend, to fuel the meaningful work we do here in the United States and around the world, especially work that has no other source of funding behind it.

“That’s always a good thing to behold.”

To make an online contribution:
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To give by check, please make the donation payable to “The LCMS” and write “Together as Synod” on the memo line. Mail to: The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.

Posted November 18, 2016