wfn.org | ELCA Council Supports ELCA 1999 World Hunger Appeal

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 15, 1999

ELCA COUNCIL SUPPORTS ELCA 1999 WORLD HUNGER APPEAL
99-15-096-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its World Hunger Appeal
this year.  In honor of the anniversary, the ELCA Church Council set a
goal to make a $25,000 "personal commitment" to the 1999 World Hunger
Appeal.
     The council is the ELCA's board of directors and serves as the
legislative authority of the church between meetings of its churchwide
assemblies.  The council met here April 9-12.  Assemblies are held
every
other year; the next is August 16-22 in Denver.
     "In thanksgiving to God for all of God's blessings to this church
and to us as individuals, the council will commit itself to double its
annual gift to the World Hunger Appeal," said the Rev. Larry V.
Smoose,
council member from Media, Pa.  The council challenged members and
congregations of the ELCA to bring the total of the appeal to $25
million for 1999.
     The council recommended that the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
adopt a resolution for the church to increase its awareness of hunger
in
the United States and throughout the world, to increase financial
support of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and Program through regular
contributions and designated gifts, and to thank supporters of the
appeal.
     The goal for the 1999 ELCA World Hunger Appeal is $12.6 million.
     Some congregations of the ELCA will mark the anniversary by using
the number 25 in fund-raising activities throughout the year.  Members
of the church will pray, conduct "services of recommitment" and plan
activities and offerings in celebration of the appeal during a special
25-day period -- Nov. 1-25.
     At its spring 1999 meeting, the ELCA Conference of Bishops
affirmed a goal for the church to raise $25 million in honor of the
anniversary.
     The ELCA World Hunger Appeal was established at the 1987
Constituting Convention of the ELCA.  Churches that formed the ELCA
launched the world hunger appeal in 1974.  Since then the appeals have
earned more than $200 million.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html