Friends in Christ:

Over the past several weeks, our lives have changed in significant ways. Daily routines have changed, new challenges have arisen, and our neighborhoods already combatting poverty are now facing additional challenges.

Outreach for Hope-supported ministries across our synod in southeast Wisconsin are working tirelessly to offer vital assistance to those in need.

  • All Peoples is working to provide weekly pantry bags, fresh fruit, and veggie bags to families—including those with children no longer receiving school lunches.
  • Grace Welcome Center’s pantry now serves 90-100 families every week, which is more than double the amount served weekly in February.
  • TheSandwich Brigade at Redeemer Lutheran (Milwaukee) provides food to their neighbors.
  • Village Church has expanded food pantry operations from 3 to 4 days per week.

The past month has been difficult for our ministries and those who rely on them. Some programs supported by volunteers have had to close their doors. Congregations have had members diagnosed with COVID-19— and sadly, Hephatha has already lost one of their members to the virus. God is active through our ministries, addressing the many needs and challenges. We are Church together, and we are inviting you to consider one way of helping keep these ministries strong.

In the coming days, many taxpayers will begin to receive Economic Impact Payments from the IRS. This unexpected windfall is truly a blessing. For those of us who have lost incomes during the COVID-19 outbreak, these payments will provide needed relief.

If you are in a position to do so, we encourage you to consider making a gift when your funds from the IRS arrive, and to invite others in your congregations to do likewise:

  • SUPPORT YOUR HOME CONGREGATION. One of our pastors compared their current economic situation to the “summer slump” in offerings, which all of us can relate to.
  • PROJECT LUNCHBOX. Outreach for Hope will fund lunches for families at five partner ministries located in food deserts. For $39, you can provide lunch to a family of 4 for an entire week!
  • OFH COVID-19 RELIEF FUND. Unusual times call for unusual generosity. Donations received before June 1st will be distributed as stimulus checks to ministries serving low-income communities in southeast Wisconsin—so that they can continue to provide life-giving services during and after the pandemic.

GIVE NOW to PROJECT LUNCHBOX and the OFH COVID-19 Relief Fund. If you prefer to write a check, please make your check payable to “Outreach for Hope,” indicate which program you are supporting, and mail it to the Greater Milwaukee Synod office at 1212 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee WI 53215. If you have any questions or would like more detail, please contact Michael Groh, Interim Executive Director of Outreach for Hope, at 414-807-0750 or mike@outreachforhope.org.

Thank you for being leaders in the spirit of cheerful giving!

In Christ,

Michael Groh                                        Bishop Paul Erickson
OFH Interim Executive Director             Greater Milwaukee Synod

A NOTE FOR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS:

Please help us spread the news among your members! Consider sharing the following announcement in an upcoming newsletter or social media post:

In the coming days, many taxpayers will begin to receive Economic Impact Payments from the IRS. If you are in a position to do so, we encourage you to consider making a gift when your funds from the IRS arrive, and to invite others in your congregations to do likewise:

  • SUPPORT YOUR HOME CONGREGATION. One of our pastors compared their current economic situation to the “summer slump” in offerings.
  • PROJECT LUNCHBOX. Outreach for Hope will fund lunches for families at five partner ministries located in food deserts. For $39, you can provide lunch to a family of 4 for an entire week!
  • OFH COVID-19 RELIEF FUND. Donations received before June 1st will be distributed as stimulus checks to ministries serving low-income communities in southeast Wisconsin—so that they can continue to provide life-giving services during and after the pandemic.

GIVE NOW to PROJECT LUNCHBOX and the OFH COVID-19 Relief Fund. If you prefer to write a check, please make your check payable to “Outreach for Hope,” indicate which program you are supporting, and mail it to the Greater Milwaukee Synod office at 1212 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee WI 53215. If you have any questions or would like more detail, please contact Michael Groh, Interim Executive Director of Outreach for Hope, at 414-807-0750 or mike@outreachforhope.org.