CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Income for the 1998 World Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) surpassed the previous year's total by more than $700,000. The appeal earned more than $12.5 million in 1998, and $11.8 million in 1997.
Members of the ELCA "faithfully supported the day-in and day-out work to address the 'silent disaster' of hunger and poverty," said Lita Brusick Johnson, director of the appeal, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries. =20
The success of the appeal is based largely on the "energy and commitment of congregations, ELCA synods, church leaders and hunger ministry networks," according to the Rev. John L. Halvorson, coordinator for the world hunger program, ELCA Division for Church in Society. =20
Synods of the ELCA generated $9.6 million, and giving from individuals and congregations totaled more than $2 million for 1998.=20 The ELCA is made up of about 5.2 million members in 11,000 congregations in the United States and Caribbean. The ELCA has 65 synods.
The income projection for 1998 was $11.9 million. Of the $12.5 million received, 72.4 percent is spent fighting hunger and poverty overseas. Almost 12 percent is spent in direct relief and community development in the United States. Another 9.5 percent provides educational resources for the church, hunger advocacy work and environmental stewardship efforts. The remaining 6.2 percent is spent on administration and fund-raising expenses. =20
The goal for the 1999 ELCA World Hunger Appeal is $12.6 million.=20
The ELCA is celebrating the World Hunger Appeal's 25th anniversary this year. Some congregations of the ELCA will mark the anniversary by using the number 25 in fund-raising activities throughout the year, said Johnson. In addition, members of the church will pray, conduct "services of recommitment" and plan activities and offerings in celebration of the appeal during a special 25-day period -- Nov. 1-25, 1999. =20
Under the theme "25-in-25" ELCA members can put aside an extra 25 cents a day or week for a given time, contribute 25 shares of appreciated stock, or invite youth groups to sponsor special anniversary fund-raising events, Johnson said.
The ELCA World Hunger Appeal was established at the 1987 Constituting Convention of the ELCA. Churches that formed the ELCA launched world hunger appeals in 1974. Since that time the appeals have earned more than $200 million.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
