Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

Mission Partners International Opportunities

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) We support both the New England Synod of the ELCA (www.nesynod.org) and the national church organization (www.elca.org) in approximately equal proportions. The funds that go to the Synod are used for the care and development of congregations and their staffs throughout New England, and partnership support of affiliated seminaries, colleges and universities, campus ministries, Camp Calumet, and Lutheran Social Services. The funds received by the national church organization are used to support Global Mission (partner churches in 60 countries, 349 missionaries and the Lutheran World Federation), Outreach (seed money to start new congregations), Higher Education (eight ELCA seminaries, 28 church colleges and universities, and 140-plus campus ministries), Youth and Congregational Ministries (Lutheran Youth Organization, outdoor ministries, youth programming, programs for congregational renewal) and much more.

ELCA Missionaries- Our Saviour’s directly supports the missionary work of the Rev. Arden Strasser and his wife Dr. Susan Strasser, former members of the congregation. Arden serves as missionary to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia, appointed by the ELCA. Susan serves as country director for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Read more at www.raisinghopeinafrica.com.

ELCA Mission Partners - We support two local congregations situated in low-income areas: Resurrection Lutheran Church in New Haven, and Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors Lutheran Church in Bridgeport.

ELCA World Hunger (www.elca.org/hunger) - Our Saviour’s is an active supporter of ELCA World Hunger, a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses multiple strategies – relief, development, education, and advocacy – to address the root causes of hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world.

Lutheran Disaster Response (www.elca.org/disaster) - Through this organization, we work to bring God's comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters, from the Japan earthquake and tsunami on the other side of the world, to Hurricane Sandy in our own backyard.

Continuing Religious Education – Our Saviour’s provides financial support to men and women connected with our congregation who make a commitment to becoming a Lutheran pastor. A number of former members have accepted the call to ministry.

Seafarers and International House (www.sihnyc.org)
An ELCA-affiliated ministry dedicated to the welfare and special needs of seafarers and sojourners, SIH provides in-port pastoral care, worship and counseling, advocacy services, and lodging at the SIH guesthouse in New York City. Pastor Mark has been active in the ministry’s leadership and as a port chaplain, while members regularly make financial contributions and gifts of new clothing through the Christmas-at-Sea program.