Perpetual Gifting and Long-Time Traditions

If constant practice wins the race, then LCEF has been blessed by sure winners: congregations that provide perpetual gifts, or a steady stream of gifts. We are so thankful to God for these supporters, and are humbled by the fact that some have given to the ministry for long periods of time.

Trinity Lutheran in Freistatt, Missouri, serves an agricultural community located between Springfield and Joplin. While Freistatt's population falls just short of 165, Trinity's Sunday morning attendance averages 200.

"We draw from several surrounding communities," says the Rev. Ryan Buchmueller of his 139-year-old congregation.

"We have a great school and we're active with the Freistatt Lion's Club and the many activities they sponsor," Buchmueller said.

One ministry group at Trinity Lutheran – the Dorcas Ladies Aid Society, organized in 1921 – meets the first Thursday of the month to plan, work on projects and decide how best to distribute funds raised. LCEF's Laborers For Christ, has been a regular recipient of the group's donations, as have other LCMS ministries and the local school lunch program.

"Members submit the names of 15 to 20 organizations each year," says Doris Meyer, treasurer of the group for the past six years, "We select 12, one for each month."

Ladies Aid Society members also use LCEF's StewardAccount® to manage the proceeds from their popular cookbook, which over time have grown to about $14,000, Meyer said.

Buchmueller said the congregation greatly appreciates the ladies' work. "We love them and feel blessed to have them as part of our congregation."