A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

For us all, 2020 was a year unlike any other. Together, our church showed up for members and communities alike in response to the pressing needs of this unprecedented time. More than ever, we were deeply connected. While church doors may have been closed temporarily, congregations and ministries always remained open. This is witness to the power of love and hope that we know through Jesus Christ.

The Mission Investment Fund, as the lending ministry of the ELCA, works daily with congregations and organizations that are steadfast in generous service to their neighbors. Ministries are envisioning new ways of being church—engaging more people in worship, sharing in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, extending learning and development opportunities to many, and reaching out in love to meet community needs.

The stories we share in this Annual Report highlight the faith that four congregations showed in moving forward during this difficult time—and how they deepened the connections with their members and neighbors.

St. Luke Lutheran Church, a growing congregation in Spokane, Washington, chose to expand its current building in order to stay in the community that God has called them to serve. MIF’s loan approval was granted just prior to the onset of the pandemic. Without hesitation and with grace, St. Luke made the decision to go forward with this project, the sanctuary was dedicated in May 2021, and the larger church is filling a great spiritual need in the Northwest.

Alleluia Lutheran Church in Saint Michael, Minnesota, after having relocated many times, pressed forward with building a permanent church home.  The vibrant congregation of young families yearned for its own space to develop Christ-centered relationships, instill faith in the next generation and share God’s love with neighbors. Now, the congregation has generated a permanent presence for spiritual life and its important food ministry within the community.

Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, Virginia, imagined flexibility in worship and outreach this past year, opening outdoor worship and discovering that they could in fact support the tenfold increase in households coming to their food pantry.

We are inspired by our church and our leaders who continue to unearth the gifts that God has placed in our midst, to recognize the new opportunities that challenges bring.  We are grateful for these congregations and for all of you who sustain one another and this church—and look to the Mission Investment Fund, a strong, stable institution, for your financial needs.

Thank you for the trust you place in the Mission Investment Fund.  Please know that we work hard every day to earn that trust.  May God bless you.

Gratefully,
Eva M. Roby
President and CEO
June 2021