Service to others — both locally and globally — is at the center of our church community. Each month, our Benevolence Program collects contributions from our social justice-minded congregation for deserving charities both locally and globally.
Benevolence presentations are made at services on the second weekend of each month. A special collection is made at that time, but donations can be made throughout the month for that month’s designated charity. The funds are then sent to the recipient organization following that month. Ten percent of each month’s donation goes to Divine Savior, ELC’s sister church in Cataño, Puerto Rico. The full remainder of funds goes to the designated recipient organization. If there is more than one recipient organization in a given month, the funds are split equally between all the charities.
See our list of monthly projects below.
JANUARY: Divine Savior our partner congregation IGLESIA EVANGÉLICA LUTERANA DIVINO SALVADOR (Divine Savior Lutheran Church) in Cataño, P.R.
FEBRUARY: Compassion International provides educational, health and spiritual guidance to “our” kids: Vanesa, 15, in Mexico, and Simon, 8, in Tanzania.
MARCH: ELC summer youth programming. Through Vacation Bible School, Mission Week and camperships, we’ll touch the lives of dozens of kids over break.
APRIL: Reconciliation in Christ (RIC) builds relationships through outreach and education. Advocating for systematic change in policy and practice in church and society while working to alleviate not only painful symptoms of oppression but to also eliminate its root causes.
MAY: Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides free food, clothing, footwear, bedding and access to social services to our neighbors in need. As part of its services, NHN supports the summertime backpack lunch program, which offers a steady source of nutritious food to kids from homes where food insecurity is a regular issue.
JUNE: Madison Area Jail Ministry: Provides spiritual care in the Dane County Jail through chaplains and volunteers.
JULY: Literacy Network: helps adults in Dane County build skills, reach goals, and connect communities. Free classes and tutoring.
AUGUST: Habitat for Humanity: is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities.
SEPTEMBER: Through SABA, International, we aid The Nest Children’s Home, New Dawn Orphanage, and Bethel Outreach Children’s Center in Kenya.
OCTOBER: Lutheran Campus Ministry: Responding to God’s call, Lutheran Campus Ministry creates an affirming community that provides students with opportunities to deepen faith, engage minds, and serve neighbors.
NOVEMBER: Accessible local health care through Our Lady of Hope in Madison and Community Connections Free Clinic in Dodgeville supports people in our region who would otherwise have few or no options for assistance.
DECEMBER: Young Adults in Global Mission: program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-35 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service.
