Beloved of God,
Blessings to you in this Holy Week. In this difficult time, the Word of God and the assurance that God has entered even into death with us to bring us into life is more important than ever. I hope you will join in worship with me this week. Find more information here: goodshepherddecorah.org/worship-online/
The church building may be closed but this congregation is even more active than ever in caring for each other, the Decorah community and God’s world. The ministry we do together is powered by the time, talents, and treasures of members. Jesus says where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Giving our treasure allows our hearts to be with our faith community and those who are most vulnerable. It allows us to participate in what God is doing to heal and help the world. It also helps us to trust that God will provide and opens us to experience how God cares for us. We invite continued giving and generosity in this time when in-person worship is suspended. You can still give!
Choose the option most convenient for you.
1) Use Tithe.ly, the online giving option now linked under the GIVING Tab on our website’s homepage:
To give online, click the green button, or text GIVE to 833-751-0260.
You can also download the Tithe.ly app from your preferred app store.
Instructions for use and a set of Tithe.ly FAQs can be accessed at the link.
We offer online giving using a credit/debit card or bank transfer as a way to give anytime, anywhere, as well as to automate your regular recurring offering.
Tithe.ly is a convenient, safe, and simple way to provide much-needed donation consistency for our congregation.
2) Take advantage of Electronic Bank Transfers:
Use your bank’s bill pay service to arrange for and schedule direct automated recurring offering payments.
Or, give Good Shepherd permission to arrange for scheduled, recurring offering payments from your bank account. Contact our Administrative Assistant, Jenny Werner, in the church office if you would like to initiate this.
3) Send your check or offering envelope through the mail to:
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah, IA, 52101.
Jenny is in the office and able to receive mail and do bank deposits.
I also want to invite you to give to the Decorah and Winneshiek County Mutual Aid Fund.
I have been working closely with our partner congregations in the Decorah Area Faith Coalition to create a fund that will be used to support individuals impacted by the economic turmoil we are now facing. The funds will be used to supplement the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) crisis funds. Through the partnership, NEICAC will help impacted community members by paying vendors directly from their crisis fund to help cover bills, including rent, prescriptions, emergency dental, water/sewer, electricity, gas and other bills. NEICAC will also connect clients with other programs that can offer assistance, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Income can be based on 2019 annual income or from income within the 30 days prior to the request.
First Lutheran is collecting donations on behalf of the Decorah Area Faith Coalition but you can also give directly to Good Shepherd and designate Mutual Aid Network on your check. If you give through Tithe.ly online or use the “text to give” option, you can also choose to direct your gift to the Mutual Aid Network.
Good Shepherd has always given away our Lent and Easter offerings and this year is no exception. The Executive Committee has decided to re-designate our Lent and Easter offerings towards the local Mutual Aid Network. I will invite gifts to this fund during our Easter Sunday online worship. Easter envelope offering and checks marked Lent or Easter will also go to the Mutual Aid Network.
Thank you for all the ways you share in God’s generosity in this community and in God’s world. I give thanks for you!
Pastor Amy
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. 