Alleluia Fund

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ’  Acts 20:35

Like everyone, St. Luke’s and others in the Diocese of Newark are feeling the effects of the worst recession since the Great Depression.  Nonetheless, we are committed in supporting the diocese in domestic and international outreach.  To fulfill that commitment, St. Luke’s has joined with the other 106 parishes in the diocese in creating the Alleluia Fund.  In-gathering for the Alleluia Fund takes place each Spring during the Alleluia season, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost.  The goal of the diocese is that these 106 parishes will raise $106,000 each Easter Season.  At the diocesan level this represents a large year-to-year increase in the diocesan outreach offering.  While each parish is asked to contribute, donations from individuals to the diocese are also welcome.

The Diocesan Council has selected four areas to focus gifts from the Alleluia Fund:

  • Food for the hungry, corresponding with the Diocesan core value of justice
  • Shelter for the Homeless, corresponding with our core value of radical hospitality
  • Education, corresponding with the diocesan core value of Christian formation
  • International Outreach, corresponding with our core value of worship as we reach out into the world incarnationally

By Focusing on engaging the world through outreach, the Alleluia Fund will compliment the Marge Christie Fund, an endowment which will equip congregations and empower people by nurturing congregational vitality and developing adult ministry.

All monies collected for the Alleluia Fund will be spent on mission work within the calendar year – with no overhead and no administrative costs.

How will we know that the Alleluia Fund has achieved its goal?

We will know that the Alleluia Fund has achieved its goal when through our abundance and in the spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”):

All parishes of the Diocese are

Linked with one another forming

Living energy which

Empowers creative opportunities for others through

Loving kindness,

Understanding needs beyond ourselves through

Intentional commitment,

Amen!

Bishop Mark Beckwith
Click on picture to contact The Rev. John Mennell to learn more about supporting the Alleluia Fund.