The following is being sent from the Synod office on behalf of Bishop Larry.
The ELCIC joins with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) in responding to the crisis in Gaza, where a massive humanitarian emergency is unfolding.
As a response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, CLWR is working together with other organizations in the region to provide critical, life-saving aid including emergency food, drinking water, shelter, medical care kits, hygiene kits and more to those in dire need.
Recent estimates indicate nearly 5,000 people have been killed and roughly 20,000 have suffered injuries. Over one million people have been forced to flee their homes in response to the violence. Most are without electricity and are facing shortages of water and food.
The ELCIC invites members to pray for those suffering and to give generously in support of the needs of all those affected.
Individuals and congregations wishing to support relief efforts can donate as follows:
– Make a designated offering for “Gaza Relief” through any ELCIC congregation
– Call CLWR at 1-800-661-2597 (locally at 204-694-6502) to donate or go online to clwr.org/gaza
– Send a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to CLWR, 400-185 Carlton St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J1. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to “Gaza Relief”
Here are some resources from CLWR for use to share information in your congregation.
Sample bulletin announcement: Gaza Humanitarian Emergency – CLWR and the Humanitarian Coalition are responding to the humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza. Please join us in prayer and consider making a gift to provide critical life-saving aid to those affected. To find out more or to donate, please visit clwr.org/gaza or call 1-800-661-2597 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm CST).
NEW: You can set up a fundraising page for the Gaza appeal on CLWR's website to easily collect money from your congregation for this appeal. Members of your congregation and community can make a quick, easy online donation in support of the appeal. It's simple and fast to set up, and CLWR will handle gift receipts for individual donors. Set your page up now at clwr.org/fundraise
We invite you above all to encourage your congregation in lifting up in prayer all who are affected by this conflict!
