by Valora Starr

The stories of where Thankofferings go are as many as there are women in the church. The concept is really quite simple, yet history, tradition and generations of blending dollars and thanksgiving have made it seem complex. But like the latest model of resalable plastic bags, there is nothing all that new and improved or different about Thankofferings or where and how the generous offerings are used. So, where do Thankofferings go? To YOU! Before your next question, read this story.

A participant at one of the “Saying Yes! The next step” retreats came up to me after the evening session was over. Already talking before we were even face to face, she reminded me that she had promised to introduce herself at the event. She smiled and said she just wanted me to know that she had made it and that we had talked on the phone some months earlier. Finally, I remembered the conversation. She continued, “And I still don't know why I’m here!” I assured her she would have a blessed time and would know by the end of the retreat.

By the end of the Saturday morning session, she seemed comfortable and engaged in the small group discussion. Later that day, I discovered she was there alone and not really sure the women’s group could offer her anything.  

Sunday morning before worship, she thanked me for encouraging her to come even though she couldn't persuade anyone to come with her. She told me about the feeling that something was missing in her life and how she's been searching for it. I asked her if she found it. Her answer was Yes! She had discovered her gifts and was sure of what her next step would be — “to get something started, to share her experience with other women in her congregation.

Yes, thanks to you, the woman in this story and the thousands of women actively participating in Women of the ELCA are provided programs and resources that prepare and equip them to live out our purpose and mission statements. As long as there have been Lutheran women organized in America, the vision has been one of women growing in faith and using their gifts in active ministry in daily life. Today, that mission continues calling us to act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ in a culture where those in need are I competition for help.

Thankofferings are given in thanksgiving to God who blesses us to be a blessing to others. Thankofferings come full circle when you have been equipped to make a difference. If you have ever participated in a Lutheran Woman Today Bible study or used monthly or seasonal devotions from the Stewardship Planning Guide, you know where Thankofferings go. If you have experienced the “Listen, God is Calling” resource series and are able to better discern where and how God is calling you to serve, you know where Thankofferings go.

God is calling women disciples to go beyond charity by educating and equipping ourselves to do more effective ministry. Women of the ELCA can still touch individual women like the one in the story and all the generations of faithful women who study God’s word together from a magazine to the generous gifts women (men and children, too) place in little boxes in gratitude for what God has done in their lives.

Valora Starr is an associate for programs, Women of the ELCA

Copyright © 2004 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Reprinted from the October 2004 issue of Interchange with Permission.  Download a copy of Interchange >