The mission of the Foundation is to encourage the religious and benevolent missions of Grace Lutheran Church in our community and the world by providing funding for projects and groups: including medical missions, Lutheran Campus Ministry, youth trips and service projects, Grace Adult Day Services, and other services for the poor. We provide financial support for the needs of the congregation in enhancing our building and the mission of Grace Lutheran Church.

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Curry, ended a pastoral letter to the Episcopal congregations commending them for helping ... "not to build a bigger church for church's sake, but to build a better world for God's sake." In these days of racial tensions, anti-gay violence, mass shootings, and global warming, there seems to be a great need to build a better world.

Some of the funds in the Foundation are designated to maintaining the Church. We have a piano fund and an organ fund. We have also funded a new sound system, a lighting upgrade in the sanctuary, and matching funds to pay off the mortgage. While it is admirable to maintain our beautiful church, as the congregation progresses toward its goal of paying off the mortgage to free up money for other projects and missions, we should consider the Bishop's words to build a better world for God's sake.

How can Grace Lutheran Church make this a better world? In the 80's, our Social Ministry Committee dreamed of a place for adults whose caregivers needed assistance during the day. Grace Adult Day Center was launched, first in our building and then in a place of its own. The Ida Fund with support from the congregation distributes approximately 70 bag lunches per month and also offers gas vouchers to the needy. The backpack program for Garfield school students is another example of making a better world. How can we as a church expand these programs or start new ones to make God's world a better place?

The Foundation Board Meets monthly to consider requests for funds. We consider requests of any size, from small projects to large ones. The Board may be limited in their ability to fund large requests due to the wishes of donors who have designated their gifts for certain kinds of projects, and available funds. What kind of legacy does the congregation want Grace to have?

The Foundation has funded many projects over the years. We hope to continue to support the mission of Grace for years to come. If you have an idea of how the congregation can make this world a better place and need some financial assistance, we would be glad to listen.

See page 2 for some funding opportunities.