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2017 Synod Grants support the ministries of Southwest California Congregations

The Endowment Committee of the SWCA Synod awards grants for Mission Outreach from the Mission & Ministry Fund to be used for mission outreach as defined in the synod’s mission goals.  Typically, grants range from $500 to $5,000. At this year’s Synod Assembly, 18 Mission & Ministry Grants were awarded.

Angelica, Los Angeles received $4,000 for the Angelica Center for Arts and Music, furthering Christian outreach and expanding the influence of Angelica Church beyond the walls by providing youth age 4 – 18 with positive opportunities with the support of caring, loving adults in a neighborhood that has numerous negative influences; developing in youth skills and an appreciation for a wide variety of the arts; and creating through individual and ensemble participation a strong sense of community, self-esteem, motivation and responsibility.

Central, Van Nuys received $5,000 for a new stove for Cooking for the Kingdom, supporting the work of Central, Iglesia De Dios, and Hope of the Valley in feeding the homeless.

Christ, Long Beach received $4,000 for If We Build it, They Will Have a Place, a labyrinth project to be built with the assistance of local Eagle Scouts.

Christ, West Covina received $2,000 for a Vacation Bible School collaboration with seven other churches of various denominations.

Finnish Lutheran Church (hosted by St. Paul’s, Santa Monica) received $2,500 for redevelopment support for outreach such as publicity, expanding their music program, and developing a sustainable Sunday School Program.

First, Torrance received $5,000 for Hope and Security for Children of San Salvador via the Colegio Luterano Salvadoreno. By raising awareness of needs and conditions of our neighbors in El Salvador and opening the hearts and minds of area Lutheran congregations, students and parents through vibrant school connections, lives can be changed by transforming the Colegio into a viable tuition free school providing much needed hope, love, and security for the youth of San Salvador.

First Lutheran School, Glendale received $3,960 for their Foreign Student Visitor Summer Program,  providing ESL classes to F1 students for China and Korea using the Rosetta Stone Program.

Glory, Torrance received $6,000 for outreach to students at USC via three programs:  home cooked dinners for 40 – 50 students every Thursday night; scholarships to attend young adult conferences twice a year; and support for market place evangelism.

Hill Avenue Grace received $3,000 for the Grace Food Shelf, providing access to food for the poor, homeless and hungry in the Pasadena area.

Holy Redeemer, Bellflower received $2,451 for their food bank, which serves 150 – 200 families weekly.

Hope, Atascadero received $1,763 for murals in their primary Sunday School classrooms and hallway as well as technology equipment to enhance Sunday School teaching.

Hope, Hollywood received $1,000 to assist the Guardian Angles to support undocumented minors during court proceedings.

Lutheran Church in the Foothills, La Canada  received $3,905 for Smart Board Technology for their Youth Conference Room, furthering God’s work in the community by providing opportunity for modern day engagement via digital media to be used by various church and community groups that meet at the church.

Messiah, Los Angeles received $5,000 for Camp Messiah, a six-week Summer Day Camp serving children ages 4 – 14 where they can learn, dream, and find out about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Peace, Lompoc received $1,290 to purchase a storage shed to store the cots and bedding supplies used in their Homeless Warming Shelter – space in their Fellowship Hall for the homeless to find shelter during winter and rainy seasons.

Pueblo de Dios, Compton received $1,850 for the purchase of a bass and acoustic Guitar to train young adults to play music so they can participate in the music ministry of the church.

Resurrection, Redondo Beach received $2,500 for a commercial washer and dryer to assist their Family Promise Project, helping homeless and lower income families achieve sustainable independence through a community based response. The Family Promise Project initiates coordinated local efforts that bring communities together to help homeless families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity.

St. Marks, Los Angeles received $2,500 to fund a Summer Day Camp for Neighborhood Families – a week of day camp in partnership with Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences. This project includes providing nutritious meals, introducing local families to church, and building lasting relationships with the community.

St. Matthew’s, North Hollywood received $5,345 for nursing care and a jobs counseling for their Weekly Homeless Drop-In Program.

St. Stephen’s, Granada Hills received $3,000 for a joint confirmation program with four Twin Valleys Conference churches.

The Charles and Mable Warner Trust Fund, administered by the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, awards grants designated for the construction of Sunday School facilities and to further youth Christian education.  This year the committee awarded two grants:

St. Matthews, North Hollywood received $935 for their ASL Summer Sunday School, a project seeking to strengthen the integration of their deaf ministry and provide a unique evangelical outreach.

First, Inglewood received $2,637 for Sunday School rejuvenation.

An invitation to apply for either of our two grant programs will be sent to congregations, institutions, and agencies towards the end of the year, as well as posted on the website. Consider how a Synod Grant could benefit your ministry, and plan your Mission & Ministry or Warner Trust Fund grant application in advance!

Mission and Ministry Fund Grant Application (word)
Warner Trust Fund Grant Application (word)
Grant application submittal example (essay and financial plan)