To Recognize and Thank the Synod for Strengthened and Expanded “Soldiers of the Cross” COVID-19 Response Initiative

WHEREAS,Thepandemicof2020shutteredschoolsinthemiddle of the school year, furloughed workers, caused many churches to temporarily close, caused others to pivot towards a digital presence for which they were unprepared, and created stress upon the financial well-being of many churches and 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 through the Centers for Disease Control and the Executive Orders of local, state, and national government; and

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

WHEREAS, Many of our pastors and other 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 Synod and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) 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,roster ed and non-roster ed,benefited from this generous act of compassion; and

WHEREAS, To date, $1,643,715 was awarded to 967 workers (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 2022); therefore be it

Resolved, That the SELC District in convention publicly thank God for the generosity of His people, the Synod, and LCEF for supporting all who serve in our churches, schools, childcare centers, and RSOs.