A Giving Tree for Montana Synod Partners

Does your congregation have a tradition of a Giving Tree? Many congregations find it to be a nice way to share generously with others. Some congregations focus on world hunger, some on local needs. Some do both.
 
This year the Montana Synod Council invites your congregation to include some of our partner ministries on your giving tree. Add to the tree you’ve already got, or add a whole new tree!
 
We are focusing on 6 ministries supported by the Montana Synod. Below you can find printable ornaments representing those 6 ministries, and a bulletin/newsletter insert to use. We ask that you collect the money and then send it in a check to the Montana Synod, so that we can forward it to the appropriate ministry.

Two of the ministries we focus on are our companion synods. The Bolivian Evangelical Lutheran Church, represented by the ornament with children in blue and white, has an emphasis on children. The church runs several schools and several after-school programs for children in need. $40 will provide one month of tuition at a Lutheran school in Bolivia. The new semester starts in February, and there are plenty of children in need of scholarships.

The ornament with the two seated people represents the Cape Orange Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. Choosing this ornament will help bring Bishop Motsumai Manong to the Montana Synod Assembly next summer. This will be his first visit here as Bishop, and we are eager to give him the opportunity to meet our new Bishop-elect.
 
You might recognize the ornament with the snowy church—it is Our Saviour’s Rocky Boy, one of the oldest Native American ministries in the ELCA. In 2020, it will be 100. If you choose this ornament, your $30 will help with a new roof.
 
The eight-pointed star with the Luther Rose in the center represents Spirit of Life on the Fort Peck Reservation. This ministry is looking for funds to provide beads and beading needles to women on the Fort Peck reservation, as part of the ministry of outreach.

The ornament with the cross and the bird on the top, and the figure standing on an outcropping of rock in front of a rising/setting sun represents Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry. This ministry is seeking Bibles and daily devotions for inmates at the Montana State Prison. Your donation of $15 will help with this goal.

And the ornament with the large cross represents the Northern Rockies Institute of Theology, our continuing education and lifelong learning ministry in the Montana Synod. Your donation of $50 will help bring in speakers for education events.
 
Thank you for the many ways that you generously give to help your neighbors. Please consider adding these giving tree ornaments as a way not only to provide opportunities for generosity, but also to highlight some of the ministries that our synod supports
 
Jessica Crist, Bishop
 
Printable ornaments and bulletin inserts to explain them are available here.