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, 547 individuals from 102 congregations pledged to participate in daily devotions, dedicate time and focus to water as a precious resource, and/or donate to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) for the benefit of water projects at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ and across the ELCA.
Region 2 raised $30,564 for water projects at NELM through Lutheran Disaster Response. An additional $25,961 was given in recognition of the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to various ministries including ELCA World Hunger, designated disasters such as US Wildfires, Hurricane Response, Middle East Crisis, and Where Needed Most. 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 407 participants. The top 3 congregations with the most participants were in the Grand Canyon Synod, and 13 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 Bishop David Nagler (Sierra Pacific Synod), congratulating the GCS on its well-earned victory, was played during the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
Honorable Mention
The following congregations and individuals deserve a serious shout out and our heartfelt gratitude:
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City West, AZ — With 60, they take the prize for the most participants from one congregation!
Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ — with 42 participants, were next in line.
Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ — With 41 participants, our Mesa friends placed third.
Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Carefree, AZ — With 40, they were too close to third not to mention!
Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Green Valley, AZ — The Grand Canyon Synod led Region 2 in giving, and Desert Hills’ creative promotion of the Challenge and generous gifts led the synod.
Pastor Bill Dohle — Pastor Bill wrote the 47 thought-provoking devotions on the theme, A Watered Garden, based on Isaiah 58:11. 534 individuals subscribed to receive the daily devotions online.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer — Bishop Hutterer filmed a short video in support of the Challenge
The GCS Hunger Leaders Network — The 90 members of our synod’s hunger 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 helping to plan the event from the ground up, and for joining with the Grand Canyon Synod in the Lenten Challenge. 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 what that’s all about.
On behalf of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network, we thank every individual and every congregation that participated, prayed, gave money, promoted the challenge and engaged in individual and group activities centered around water as a precious resource.