We thank God for a gift of $1,000 provided by a retired pastor and his wife. This gift is intended to encourage WELS pastors to partner with their lay leaders as they study and grow together. The possibilities are multiple. It could address youth ministry or outreach ministry or leadership or collaboration between neighboring congregations, etc., but the donor does desire for there to be collaboration between pastor(s) and lay members. The grant could go to an individual congregation or to a group of congregations working together. We may grant all $1,000 to one proposal, or may split it into two $500 grants, depending on proposals received. Please note that while purchasing equipment, purchasing marketing materials, and attending conferences are important for furthering the mission of your church, this grant is not designed to help with those purchases.
Using the form below, Grow in Grace invites written proposals that would briefly describe:
- the ministry challenge or opportunity in the congregation or circuit which the grant could (help to) address;
- how it would enable pastor(s) and lay leaders to grow together in carrying out gospel and ministry; and
- how the grant would be spent
Below is an example of a previous winner’s submission:
For several years, Prince of Peace has hosted a Drive-Thru Bethlehem living nativity. It includes over 100 volunteers and participants. Set up in our church parking lot, it provides a series of stations for visitors to enjoy. Following an audio tour accessed via smartphone from our website, visitors hear a warm, joyful commentary on the Christmas story. Stations include Mary’s home, Joseph’s home, a garrison of Roman soldiers, a large marketplace, the stable and manger, the Bethlehem countryside alive with angels, a cross/tomb scene, and more. We have had tremendous success in reaching our community with the Christmas gospel. We first held this outreach event in 2020, in the height of COVID, as a way to bring visitors to our church and proclaim the gospel to them in person. Since our initial success, we’ve had overwhelming attendance every year. Last year, we had over 200 vehicles with over 500 people drive through our mini-Bethlehem and listen to our good news message. We’re grateful for the opportunity to proclaim the saving message of Christ to our community. We have found that many LDS families are drawn to events like this, because it’s familiar. When they arrive and visit, they encounter a much different message than they have been taught. We pray that they return for more. Follow the links to see details, photos, and videos.
The challenge this year is the cost of supplies. Our team of crafty people continue to build backdrops, construct sets, and sew costumes. Much of the craft work has to be recreated each year. Our volunteers have limited storage, time, and ability to make all the sets. Our costs will go up this year as we purchase supplies for long-term use. Our goal, though, is to continue to provide a rich, full experience for the community to hear and enjoy the good news of Jesus in a place where so many need it and in a season when so many are eager to listen.
To be considered, proposals need to be submitted by 11:59 pm, CST, October 31, 2024. The continuing education committee of the WLS faculty will evaluate the proposals and award the grants. The congregations whose proposals are awarded the grants will be notified by the end of November. Brief descriptions of the winning proposals will be shared in a subsequent Grace Notes.
Please complete the form below. Concise, descriptive responses are appreciated.
This form is currently closed for submissions.