2026 Synod Assembly In-Kind Offering: Supporting Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
What is an In-Kind Offering?
While we often think of an offering as a financial gift, an in-kind offering is a donation of physical goods. Each year, we invite congregations to bring specific, much-needed items to the Northern Illinois Synod Assembly to support one of our ministry partners.
Why do we collect an In-Kind Offering?
An in-kind offering allows us to meet the immediate, tangible needs of our neighbors in a very direct way. It makes generosity accessible for everyone in the congregation. Finally, seeing all of these gifts gathered in one place at Synod Assembly is a powerful, visual reminder of what we can do when we work together as the body of Christ.
Who are we supporting this year?
This year, our in-kind offering will support the vital work of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). LSSI served over 62,000 people last year alone! They provide critical programs for Illinois residents each year, including:
- foster care,
- mental health services,
- alcohol and drug treatment,
- affordable senior housing,
- residential programs for people with developmental disabilities,
- home care for seniors,
- and services that help families who have been impacted by incarceration.
Learn more about LSSI at www.lssi.org
Ways to Get Involved
There are two ways congregations and individuals can support this year’s in-kind offering:
- Gift Card Collection (Bring to Synod Assembly)
- We are asking congregations to collect $25 gift cards from the retailers on the list below to be brought to the Synod Assembly, where they will be gathered and blessed as a collective offering!
- Why Gift Cards?
- Gift cards take up very little room in the small spaces of LSSI offices, but they provide immediate, flexible relief to the individuals and families we serve who face sudden, urgent needs. Gift cards can be used for:
- Helping someone on an already limited budget purchase groceries, household supplies, or personal care items.
- Providing a gas card to an individual or family so they can get to necessary appointments.
- Helping a foster family get prepared to take in a child.
- Taking a client out to eat for a special occasion.
- Gift cards offer LSSI staff the flexibility to provide our clients with exactly what they need, and they communicate to the staff that our churches appreciate and support them.
- How to Donate
- Amount: Ideally, gift cards should be in $25 amounts.
- Where to Buy (Preferred Retailers): The following stores have locations in NIS which LSSI staff and clients use most frequently:
- Retail/Grocery: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Aldi, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco
- Gas Stations: Casey's General Store, Shell, Mobil, BP
- Restaurants: McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Wendy’s, Culver’s
- Mindful Giving (Online Wishlist)
- Another great way to participate in this year’s In-Kind Offering is through Mindful Giving. Mindful Giving allows you or your congregation to purchase items from a dedicated Wishlist curated by LSSI staff, and the items will be shipped directly to LSSI. These items support many important LSSI programs, and the Wishlist is updated regularly based on current, urgent needs.
- How to Donate
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- Go to giftlist.lssi.org to shop the Wishlist. Please be sure to add your congregation's name at checkout so we can track and celebrate your church's generosity!
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Thank you!
Together, through your gifts, we are partnering with LSSI to welcome all people as we strive to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. Whether your church is bringing a stack of $25 gift cards to the assembly or ordering supplies through Mindful Giving, your generosity directly equips this life-changing work. Thank you! We can't wait to gather all these gifts together and bless them at the Synod Assembly.
2026 Synod Assembly Offering: Nurturing New Communities
Our 2026 Synod Assembly Offering is a collective commitment to nurturing new communities by investing directly in the two Synod Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWC) in the Northern Illinois Synod.
What is a SAWC?
A Synod Authorized Worshipping Community, or SAWC, is a flexible, creative community of faith designed to reach neighbors who might not feel at home in a traditional church setting. These ministries are not yet developed as independent congregations. Instead, funded through the Northern Illinois Synod and mission developer grants from the ELCA Churchwide organization, SAWCs receive intentional support in order to plant, grow, and nourish new communities of faith.
Meet Our SAWCs and Mission Developers
Becoming Oswego
Becoming Oswego is a growing community that creates space for authentic relationships, spiritual curiosity, and belonging. Through worship, conversation, and shared life, Becoming Oswego seeks to meet people exactly where they are and invite them into a journey of faith shaped by grace.
Becoming is led by Rev. Pat Fish. Pastor Pat is passionate about building community, engaging the unmet, and creating safe spaces for marginalized neighbors. Experienced in advocacy and community organizing. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Dedicated to contributing positively to the church while building strong relationships and maintaining high standards of integrity and authenticity. He lives in Oswego with his wife and 3 children : Ellie (10), Maddie (8), and Luke (6).
Learn more at becomingoswego.org
Iglesia San José Obrero
Iglesia San Jose Obrero is a Latiné Lutheran worshipping community serving families in the Quad Cities. Rooted in Lutheran theology and lived experience, this ministry proclaims the Gospel in culturally meaningful ways, accompanies immigrants and working families, and embodies a faith that is both deeply spiritual and committed to justice.
Iglesia San José Obrero is led by Rev. José Pilar Álvarez Cabrera. Born in Guatemala, Pastor José is a theologian, activist, and defender of human rights. He previously served as the founding pastor and Pastor President (2014–2022) of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala, a member of the Lutheran World Federation.
Your Impact
By supporting this year’s Synod Assembly offering, you are investing in courageous ministries that meet the needs of their communities. Your gifts equip Pastor Pat and Pastor José with the resources they need to:
- Create accessible and meaningful worship experiences
- Build relationships with neighbors beyond traditional church walls
- Offer pastoral care and accompaniment
- Develop sustainable, community-rooted ministries
Together, we are planting seeds of faith in new soil. Together, we are investing in communities of deep listening, courageous faith, and Spirit-led leadership.
