And the winner of the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge is…
The Grand Canyon Synod!
As part of the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge across the synods of Region 2, a whopping 717 individuals from 148 congregations pledged to participate in daily devotions, daily decluttering, daily wellness activities, or a donation of a dollar or more a day for ELCA World Hunger.
Region 2 raised an estimated $56,135 — meaning, more is coming in — for anti-hunger efforts through ELCA World Hunger. Thank you!
In a true testament to the Grand Canyon Synod’s solidarity and generosity, the extraordinary teamwork of its Hunger Leaders Network, the commitment of our Bishop Deborah Hutterer, and so many individuals who took this challenge to their congregations week after week, the Grand Canyon Synod won the challenge with 417 participants. The top 3 congregations with the most participants were in the Grand Canyon Synod, and 16 congregations in the GCS had 10 or more participants. 51 congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod participated with at least one person signing on.
A video from the bishops of the other four synods, congratulating the GCS on its well-earned victory, will be played during the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
Honorable Mention
The following congregations and individuals deserve a serious shout out and our heartfelt gratitude:
Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ — With 45, they take the prize for the most participants in one congregation
Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Carefree, AZ — With 42, they were a very, very close second, by a nose!
New Song Lutheran Church, Henderson, NV — With 31, another superb turnout of dedicated Lutherans and friends.
Pastor Steve Holm — Pastor Steve wrote the 47 excellent, thought-provoking devotions which 751 people subscribed to online… wow!
Bishop Deborah Hutterer — Bishop Hutterer filmed a short video in support of the Challenge
Suki Kisling — If you don’t know Suki, you should know she’s a force of nature who went on the stump for the Challenge through Nevada, and together with the executive team, also challenged the GCS Women of the ELCA to participate.
The GCS Hunger Leaders Network — The synod’s hunger team planned the event, and the 77 members of our network promoted the Challenge in their congregations with passion and energy.**
The Region 2 Synods — The Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California and Rocky Mountain Synods deserve a hand for joining with the Grand Canyon Synod in this crazy scheme to benefit ELCA World Hunger. We gratefully acknowledge everyone’s participation. It’s not a challenge without them, and it’s not nearly as fun, either.
**Did you know the Grand Canyon Synod has a Hunger Leaders Network? The goal is 1 hunger liaison in every congregation. Interested? Learn more at the monthly team meetings.
On behalf of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network, we thank every individual and every congregation that participated, prayed, gave money, threw out some clutter, walked an extra mile, created resources, promoted the challenge, and cheered others on.
It’s not too late!
We’re still counting the donations. It’s not too late to send in your gift to honor ELCA World Hunger’s 50 years in ministry.
Click here to give to ELCA World Hunger online.