Go into all the world
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15
Generosity, kindness, and compassion are easy traits to say but hard traits to follow through on. Some of the most awestruck experiences of my life have come at the hands of someone living out these virtues.
A month ago, I traveled overseas with my family. During the trip, we spent four days in Rome. When my wife (Nicole) was a teacher, she formed a relationship with another educator in Italy, Celestina. Their classes were pen pals. Over the past 15 years, they have stayed in touch. When we knew we were going to be in Italy, Nicole reached out to Celestina to see if she might come to Rome and spend a day with us. We were all overjoyed when she said yes!
On the day we spent with Celestina, we started in Trastevere and walked all the way to the Vatican for a tour. Because my kids are young, when we visited these beautiful churches, I would play a game with them to ‘find St. John.’ All of these amazing places had depictions of the Gospel writers with their symbols. In one church, after we found St. John, I had mixed up St. Matthew and St. Mark with my kids.
In the kindest way, Celestina came up to me and said, “I think you meant to say St. Mark is the lion.”
Two things struck me in that moment. First, I saw the gentle way she cared for me in the simple words, “I think you meant. . . .” Second, I saw the joy in her face as she talked about the church.
This simple interaction of two seeming strangers opened up the world for us as we spent a day walking through churches. We were able to share Scripture with one another as the art in the churches seemingly spoke directly to us. We marveled at the faith of the martyrs as we walked through the remains of their homes on which churches had been built.
Today, the church remembers St. Mark the Evangelist. In the appointed text for the day, we hear Jesus say, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” For more than 2000 years, this is what Christians have been doing. Whether it was the apostles going on their missionary journeys, a parent taking their child to the waters of Holy Baptism, or you speaking the words of Christ to those near and those far, Jesus works through us to spread His good news in large and small ways.
And sometimes God surprises you with generosity, kindness, and compassion when another brother or sister in Christ shares that good news with you, 5000 miles away from home. Happy Easter, friends.
A Message from our CEO, the Rev. Bart Day
Greetings, friend in Christ.
I come to you today with a vital request.
As a faithful Lutheran, you know that so many people in our world need to hear of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, and you’ve seen how the Good News impacts your congregation and community.
This is why all of us want to see our churches thrive and have every opportunity to share the Gospel widely and generously.
Loans from Lutheran Church Extension Fund are made possible by investors; investors committed to sustaining and strengthening our church—investors who are pastors, teachers, laypeople, schools, and congregations.
For many LCMS ministries, a loan from LCEF is their only hope of realizing a dream, solving a critical problem, or completing another year of ministry. Investing with LCEF is a tangible way to love the church and its workers, as we grow ministries now.
The demand for loans is strong and is significantly higher than it was at this time last year—and that demand shows no signs of slowing down as we continue to receive new opportunities. To meet this need, we need substantial sums of new money, invested by congregations, like yours, to fund these new loans, expanding ministry today and tomorrow.
I certainly understand you have numerous investment avenues available, but none offer the unique opportunity to align your financial goals with your commitment to the church.
Consider this question:
What would it mean if you could preserve and prosper your congregation dollars while having the satisfaction of knowing that your money benefits the church?
Lutheran Church Extension Fund is the only investment option that can deliver on that promise. And practically speaking: our interest rates are up to six times higher than the national average.
You have a full range of products to choose from, like an all-access account that gives you ready access to your funds or several term notes with different durations and interest rates. I encourage you to explore your options at lcef.org/rates.1
Let me close with this.
Your congregation’s investment in LCEF is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to the growth and impact of LCMS ministries.
I pray you will consider putting your congregation’s dollars into an LCEF investment allowing us to fund even more loans in support of congregations, schools, and workers of the church.
Thank you in advance for joining in our mission. We appreciate you more than you know.
Introducing “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the August 2024 Lay Leadership Summit
What is the Lay Leadership Summit?
From rural to urban ministries, small to large congregations, and whether you are new to church leadership or a seasoned veteran, we are grateful for each of our lay leaders.
We know you need support and encouragement as you serve where the Lord has placed you. This is why the LCMS Northern Illinois District is hosting an inaugural Lay Leadership Summit on August 24, 2024 at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, IL.
With the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the Lay Leadership Summit seeks to gather lay leaders from all parts of the District to worship our Lord, build one another up in our given roles, and provide practical training in order to better equip you to effectively fulfill your service to our Lord and His people.
Make plans to join NID President Allan Buss, keynote Lutheran Hour Speaker – Rev. Dr. Michael Ziegler, and fellow laity from around Northern Illinois District for the Lay Leadership Summit.
Watch our webpage – nidlcms.org/lay-leadership-summit – for updates.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a, 12 (ESV)
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
Rates as of April 2024. Balance restrictions apply. Rates subject to change. Visit lcef.org for details.