10/19/2020

Together we impact lives for good

A stone thrown into a pond. A seed planted in the earth. A donation to your congregation or a special appeal. All three of these things result in something greater than the act itself. The four Lutheran congregations in Dayton (Christ, First, New Hope & St John’s) that make up the Dayton Urban Lutheran Allies (DULA), saw first-hand the far-reaching impacts when the people of God give and work together.

Early in the pandemic, the ELCA asked for members to donate to a special COVID-Relief Fund, which folks did generously. The ELCA then reached out to synods offering grants. The Southern Ohio Synod applied for and received a grant. The ELCA grant was matched by special funds given over the years to the synod. The combined grants were then given to 10 individual congregations plus three collaboratives—totaling 22 congregations in all! The amount given was $1000 for these mission sites—DULA being one of them—to use the money as God led them to help community members with COVID-related needs.

DULA is dedicated to supporting the downtown Dayton community with the many needs that inner city residents often have—housing, food, clothing—especially during the pandemic. Rose is one of those residents, and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Rose was in need of assistance, which included safe and clean housing, furniture and assistance with moving into that new safer space. One thousand dollars led to another $1000 match from a member, which led to more donations from members, which continued outward into the community with various people stepping up to provide furniture at cost, free furniture, assistance with moving and even essential veterinary care for Rose’s cat. The DULA and community generosity was Spirit-led.

Rose’s story is just one of many that demonstrates how each and every member of our congregations gifts impacts lives for good in ways that we could never imagine.

Carla Becker, DULA representative who shared Rose’s story with us, said, ‘It truly was God working and we are all in awe of His intervening hand guiding us every step of the way.’

We are stronger and better together: Joining Jesus in the restoration of the world!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)