To Recognize and Thank the Synod for Mercy Shown to God’s People through COVID-19 Pandemic

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic was catastrophic to all people in their vocations; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily ended in- person schooling in the middle of the school year, furloughed workers, caused them to pivot towards a digital presence for which they were unprepared, and created stress upon the financial well-being of many of their workers; and

WHEREAS, Many of our teachers and school workers were without the additional tuition or budget income needed to support the immediate response to the transition and additional regulations that were placed upon them; and

WHEREAS, Frontline workers, first responders, and healthcare workers went above and beyond their regular vocational obligations in serving those in need; and

WHEREAS, Congregations, church workers, and related organizations were challenged with providing spiritual care and the extension of mercy during this difficult time; and

WHEREAS, Many recognized service organizations (RSOs) of our Synod were also without the means to adapt to these additional burdens and struggled financially; and

WHEREAS, Many of our congregations and church workers bore a great financial burden in adapting to new realities and maintaining ongoing care for the members of our churches; and

WHEREAS, The need for compassionate support and financial assistance was great; and

WHEREAS, The districts of the Synod, the Office of National Mission (ONM), and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund worked together to identify funds for immediate assistance for all who served in Lutheran ministries; and

WHEREAS, Many of our church, school, and child development workers, rostered and non-rostered, benefited from this generous act of compassion; and

WHEREAS, In response to the pandemic, ONM provided the following grants of mercy and care: 221 Esther 4:14 national grants totaling $244,767 to congregations in 35 districts, $1.5 million for clergy and commissioned minister “Take Heart!” respite retreats, 976 Soldiers of the Cross- Amplified grants in 28 districts totaling over $1.6 million, and 15 district pandemic resiliency grants totaling $29,000 in support of district-led pandemic care for non-clergy workers;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention publicly give thanks to God for His mercy, faithfulness, and love to His people during the pandemic; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank the Lord for all of His people serving in their vocations during the pandemic, the congregations, districts, recognized service organizations (RSOs), and agencies of Synod for their works of mercy, and for the generosity of His people for supporting all who serve in our churches, schools, childcare centers, and RSOs