Wheat Ridge Ministries —Itasca, Illinois

It is our Lord’s hope that we will live a life made full through Him. He demonstrated this throughout His ministry by showing concern for the health of the whole person ~ body, mind and spirit.

Wheat Ridge Ministries also exists to help God’s people live a healthy life.  The mission of Wheat Ridge is “Lutherans seeding new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ.”  This mission is fulfilled through our granting, connecting and equipping activities.

Granting . . .

        In 2005, Wheat Ridge seeded new ministries by providing grants totaling over $800,000 in:

            Care and Development of Church Leaders           Generational Ministries

            Community Service Ministries                                    Global Health and Service Ministries

            Health and Wellness Ministries                                 Peace and Justice Issues

        Twenty-four Congregation Health and Hope Grants were also awarded in 2005.  These         $2,000 grants, matched dollar for dollar by the churches, assist congregations in starting new        ministries of health and hope.

Twenty-three Good Samaritan Fund Grants were awarded in 2005.  These grants, co-funded by Wheat Ridge Ministries and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, are intended to help congregations establish programs for immigrants and refugees.

Wheat Ridge offers Sabbatical Grants to Lutheran congregations that are supporting and encouraging the health and wellness of church leaders by providing sabbatical experiences for pastors and other full-time professional church workers. 

 Connecting . . .

      Wheat Ridge connects individuals and organizations with similar health ministry goals through

       “think tanks” and consultations.  These connections often result in establishing new programs

       and relationships that impact many lives.

  Equipping . . .

      Wheat Ridge equips people by hosting or sponsoring conferences, seminars and events and

       Providing health-related resources such as:

            Ÿ the Healthy Teams Project that provides workshops and resources to enhance team

               ministry in congregations;

            Ÿ the “Hearts for Jesus” projects: “Hope for China,” “Care of Widows, Cows for Kids”

               and “Bethlehem,  We CARE!” mission programs that allow churches and students in

               schools, Sunday schools and vacation Bible Schools to help God’s people in need;

            Ÿ the booklets, An Odyssey Through Cancer, Odyssey of a Pain-Filled Life and My Odyssey

             with Parkinson’s Disease, that address the needs of those who suffer and the family  

              members and friends who love and care for them.

            Ÿ our newest resource, Living Well! 100 Seeds to Grow Your Spirit, which is a collection of

               insights, prayers and inspiration.  The book is comprised of 100 “seeds” – seeds of

               encouragement, comfort, faith, health, hope, joy and love.

Information regarding Wheat Ridge Ministries grants and additional resources can be found at www.wheatridge.org.

Wheat Ridge Ministries

One Pierce Place, Suite 250E Ÿ Itasca, IL 60143-2634

800.762.6748 Ÿ 630.766.9066  Ÿ wrmail@wheatridge.org