CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will receive a $1.5 million grant from Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits society based in Appleton, Wis. Over the next two years, the grant will provide matching funds to support local and regional use of advertising materials of the ELCA Identity Project.
"I am personally grateful to AAL for this enormous boost to our efforts in support of congregations in their outreach," said the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop. "We have the materials; AAL has given us the means to share them widely.
"I know that many more congregations will step forward in partnership, now that their local contributions will be matched. Thank you to AAL for helping us spread the word," said Anderson.
"We applaud the ELCA for undertaking this significant campaign to increase awareness of the Lutheran church nationwide," said AAL Senior Vice President Fred Ohlde. "This mass-media campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the ELCA to invite people into the church."
The Rev. Eric C. Shafer, director of the ELCA Department for Communication, said, "For many years, ELCA Lutherans have been asking for television advertising, 'like the Mormons.' This AAL grant will allow us to encourage congregations and groups of congregations to use advertising, television, radio, newspapers, billboards, bus signs, flyers, and more as well or even better than the Mormons!
"AAL has long been a major supporter of Lutheran outreach. This gift, which will enable our congregations to reach out with the Gospel in their local media market, is another example of AAL's fine commitment to such outreach," said Shafer. "We thank AAL for this wonderful gift."
"With this generous grant, congregations will have the means to use Identity Project outreach materials in their own communities," said Kristi S. Bangert, project manager.
"Just as important, congregations will have the opportunity to attend special training events designed to help them hone their hospitality skills," said Bangert. "This support from AAL means that congregations of the ELCA will be well prepared to invite and welcome the stranger."
AAL, a Fortune 500 organization based in Appleton, Wis., is a fraternal benefits society of 1.7 million Lutherans and their families who are joined together for insurance, volunteer and education opportunities.= =20 AAL offers grants to Lutheran organizations and institutions, providing more than $11 million in grants last year.
For information contact:
Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Director (773) 380-2955 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
