#GivingTuesdayNow
May 5, 2020
In this time of uncertainty, a fundamental truth gives us hope — that together, through Christ, we can do extraordinary things.

On May 5, 2020, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), its synods, and its congregations will be participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Tomorrow morning, the ELCA invites members to show God’s love and their own generosity however they can. Whether we’re helping a neighbor, sharing a skill, giving to our congregations or supporting the ELCA’s   COVID-19 Response Fund , our acts of generosity are a way to share our faith during this pandemic.

With congregations and ministries across the country, and a network of companion churches and partners in over 70 countries around the world, we know that this crisis will affect us all. We must continue to minister to each other, to those hurting and searching for peace, and to those in need. But we can’t do it without you. Your gifts to the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund will support local and churchwide ministries of the ELCA, including our congregations, that are most in need and best positioned to help others. 

These gifts will support: 
  • Congregations and local ministries serving communities that are disproportionately at risk from the pandemic, especially as it relates to health concerns, exposure risk and/or economic status 
  • The health, safety and well-being of leaders and church employees who are critical to carrying out the mission of this church 
  • Ministries around the world that provide people in poverty with health care, sanitation and hygiene supplies, clean water, food and shelter — resources critical to slowing the spread of this virus 

No matter how you choose to do God’s work with your hands today, every act of love counts. Whether you’re helping a neighbor, sharing a skill or giving to your congregation or the ELCA’s  COVID-19 Response Fund , your acts of generosity are a way to share your faith during this pandemic.

And if you’ve already made a gift in support of these efforts, of your heart, hands, and/or resources – thank you.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
LRCC provides sanctuaries in time and space where Christ can be encountered, faith renewed and the joy of community discovered. Our Lutheran outdoor ministry supplements congregational recreational outdoor ministry and camping for all ages and offers refreshing, faith-enriching retreat experiences by creating dynamic Christian community, rewarding educational opportunities and outdoor relaxation from the routine and hectic pace of life.

We offer camping and retreat programs for all ages at our two main sites, El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm, as well as off-site high adventure opportunities. Our ministry spans the southwestern United States and Hawaii — from the mountains to the oceans, the deserts to the beaches and the Mexico border region to the heart of the city. And during this time of quarantine and COVID-19, we'r bringing you some campfire joy — songs, skits and messages from El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm. Our mission is to provide a time and space for you to encounter nature, discover community, and renew your spirit.

But now, LRCC needs your help! About 70% of our annual income is earned from the various groups we host. That income is now gone, and furloughs, lay offs and large pay cuts have already happened. 
Solheim Senior Community
Dedicated in 1924, the purpose of Solheim Senior Community in Eagle Rock is to meet the physical, mental and social needs of older adults in an atmosphere of peace, dignity and security. Over the years, donations to Solheim have furthered their mission in countless ways: financing an onsite clinic, new electric beds in our skilled nursing facility, a newly remodeled Chapel, fully staffed wellness center with new equipment, or charitable care providing those residents who have outlived their financial resources to remain at Solheim.
Feeding Programs of the SWCA Synod
As more and more Americans face unemployment and reduced resources, Food Banks, Pantries, and Feeding Programs have both profoundly felt the impact and risen to the challenge of providing for the hungry in the wake the COVID-19 crisis. Grace Diner in Culver City, A.C.T.I.O.N. Food Pantry in Covina , NoHo Home Alliance , Central Lutheran in Van Nuys , and Hill Avenue Grace Food Shel f are only some of the congregational ministries helping to feed their communities, and doing it in the face of declining giving. By finding your local feeding program and contributing what you can you are making an immediate positive impact in your community and the world.
Cal Lutheran and PLTS Care Day
Wednesday, May 6
On May 6, we will share stories that reveal the many ways in which our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends care for the community, and we hope you will join us for Cal Lutheran Cares Day by sharing your story with us, too!

In addition, your generosity to Cal Lutheran’s Ministry & Leadership programs and PLTS during Cal Lutheran Cares Day will ensure our students have the resources to stay safe and well while continuing to pursue calls and vocations of service in the church and world. No matter our location, a spirit of compassion and resiliency binds the Cal Lutheran community, including PLTS. Thank you for all that you do to keep the university and seminary strong, and for your continued support during this unprecedented time. #CalLutheranCares #PLTSofCLU

If you have questions, you may contact Brian Stein-Webber at  bsteinwebber@plts.edu .

Southwest California Synod of the ELCA | (818) 507-9591 | news@socalsynod.org | www.socalsynod.org