Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park

Dear friend in Christ,

Thank you for sharing your gifts with our church, and for sharing the power of God’s love with the world. As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your powerful impact in the previous one. We are drawn into community by our shared faith. We are also called to go out and get to work alongside our siblings in Christ, near and far. Your generosity makes incredible work possible. You have helped plant crops, build homes and churches, expand access to education, provide quality health care, and so much more.

I am not the only one who wants to thank you. Here are words from just a few of the people your generosity has touched:

ELCA World Hunger

“I always had heard that the Lutherans excel at helping churches in need, but after having experienced it firsthand, I’m just really so happy and proud to be a member of this church.”

—Kay (Kyong Yon) Mattingly, Light of Grace Lutheran Church, Federal Way, Wash. In partnership with ELCA World Hunger, Kay participates in a ministry that provides meeting space and support for Korean American immigrants.

ELCA Fund for Leaders

I want to thank all those involved with the FFL program for their recognition of what God could make possible in me that I did not see in myself. I have been blessed to ‘grow up’ in a community that nurtures deeply reverent faith built upon a love of Christ and an understanding that our life together should reflect his selfless love.”

—Wilmus “Roger” Randolph III, ELCA Fund for Leaders Federal Chaplaincy Scholarship recipient

International Women Leaders

“I am so grateful for everyone who helped me throughout this journey, and I am thankful that God has made this world such a beautiful place.”

—Julia Raszka, International Women Leaders scholar studying at California Lutheran University

Lutheran Disaster Response

“I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the ELCA for helping us and families like us. We received a bag of rice, 15 boxes of dried noodles, fish and salt. These wonderful supplies help us so much. We as a family can live and feed ourselves on this for 25 days. May God bless you all abundantly.”

—Nayse Pley Tu. After being displaced from Myanmar, Nayse received support from Lutheran Disaster Response through the Lutheran Church of Christ in Thailand.

Global Mission

“Through your generous donation, you are helping me and Hongo Student Center to not only teach English, Bible class, and discussions, but also to be a sunny corner of grace — a cozy place radiating God’s amazing grace in the community.”

—Vola Ranaivoson, short-term missionary in Tokyo, Japan.

There are so many more people and communities you have reached! I hope this small sampling of their gratitude helps you understand the difference you have made.

In thanks,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America