Year of Jubilee takes on added urgency
Filed Under: Christian Giving, donation, Finance, gift, jubilee, Year of Jubilee
Given the worldwide economic downturn and its impact on the amount certain individual donors are able to give to the work of the synod, the special Year of Jubilee debt-elimination offering is taking on added urgency.
As reported in last week's special edition of "Together," one individual, who last year committed to give about $3 million a year for five years for the synod operating budget, has announced he will not be able, at this time, to fulfill his commitment for the next fiscal year. Another foundation, which this calendar year gave about $8 million toward synod operations and ministry, has indicated it will have to significantly reduce that amount next year.
Despite the shortfall, Rev. Dave Liggett, director of WELS Ministry of Christian Giving, remains upbeat. "When we are facing tremendous challenges in life it is mighty tempting to forget that thanks to Jesus, every moment of our lives is a moment of jubilee, a moment of the Lord's favor," he says. "The greatest debt of all, the debt of sin, has been forgiven. The cancelation of that debt definitely gives us reason to celebrate."
In that spirit, the Year of Jubilee offering was authorized by the 2007 synod convention with a goal of eliminating the synod's $22.4 million debt, to free up nearly $2.7 million in debt payments for other ministry. To date, congregations and individuals have been moved to offer more than $780,000 toward Year of Jubilee.
Congregations are encouraged to kickoff the Year of Jubilee celebration this Sunday, Nov. 23. The Ministry of Christian Giving is providing worship, Bible study, and promotional resources for the next four Sundays, culminating Dec. 14 with a special DVD presentation that compellingly demonstrates the Holy Spirit at work through our mission dollars—saving souls for eternity.
Congregations are encouraged to submit a collective offering from all of their members—individuals can also make gifts online.
