What is that Benevolence thing?
Those who are astute will have noticed that there is a second line on our offering envelopes that is for something called "Benevolence." Yet, I have a suspicion that very few people know what the offerings support that are designated for Benevolence. Thus, this is your opportunity to find out!

"Benevolence" is a term that has long been used in the church to mean "support for the ministry of the wider church." In our case, benevolence offerings support both the ministries of the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Synod (MNO for short) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC for short). These are the ways in which our congregation works together with other congregations of our church in order to accomplish more together than we would ever be able to do on our own.

Some examples follow of the ministries that are supported through benevolence offerings, and which we share in along with other congregations:
o Youth & Campus Ministry Facilitator for the MNO Synod
o Luther Village Camp
o Lutheran Urban Mission Project
o Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon
o Overseas Missionaries
o Support for new congregations

In addition, the staff people who work on our behalf in both the national and the synod office are paid through benevolence offerings. Some of these people are elected to their positions of leadership in the church (like the bishops), and others are hired in order to help carry out the ministries of our church. Here are some of the things that happen because these staff people exist:
o workshops & listening conferences for treasurers, chairpersons, Sunday school superintendents, etc.
o help for congregations in finding a pastor
o shared resources for ministry between congregations and between synods
o study opportunities and support provided for pastors
o missionaries supported overseas

Although offerings designated for specific ministries are always welcome (e.g. supporting a seminary student, Youth & Campus, or World Mission), it is the general benevolence offerings that support all of these ministries. As benevolence offerings decline, the result tends to be more staff cuts and less and less of these ministries happening through the wider church.

One example in our synod is the loss of a mission consultant. As some of you know, Pastor Ron Nelson served part time in this capacity, encouraging congregations in mission and looking for opportunities for new ministries in our synod. This position no longer exists due to a lack of funds, with the result that Bishop Smith is left with an impossible volume of work.

It is the practice of our congregation to send to the synod whatever comes in each month for benevolence. At the end of the year, we send whatever is necessary to keep our commitment for the year. Those who wish to see more support given to these ministries are invited to give more to benevolence.

In Christ, Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore