
I wish you could see their faces when I hand them a gift card. One student asked, “Who’s it for?” even after I had told him I had a gift for him from the people of the South Carolina synod. Another said, “Oh, but I’m not Lutheran or from South Carolina,” as she tried to hand it back. When I assured her the people of the synod have been generous to the whole of our student body, to whomever has need, she looked down at the card before smiling at me and asking where she can send a thank you card.
This week, I asked some of the recipients how they spent their gifts and how it felt to receive them.
Here are some of their responses:
“Having strangers take care of me by helping to put food in my mouth feels like God working in my life. It is/has been literal, tangible fruit of the Spirit.”
“It was such a blessing to receive a gift card to buy groceries after having to give up my job to move to seminary. It is very reassuring, and affirming, to know that we as seminarians have such great support from others, especially those we have never met.”
“I used the gift card to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese, and meat. I am so thankful that the SC synod provided gift cards so that I can have fresh, whole foods! Fresh options just aren’t possible at our campus food pantry.”
As we move into the end of the semester, finishing major projects, writing research papers, and taking final exams, our thanks for those who lift us in prayer and support us in various ways is profound. Giving thanks to God for every good gift is our duty and our joy, and we count you among such gifts.
In Christ’s astonishing love,
Jennifer L. Shimota, MDiv (Class of 2012)
Coordinator of Seminary Enrollment
We are over half way to our goal! Join the effort to launch Latino ministry to new levels in South Carolina. Make your gift today.
And, help us reach the $50,000 challenge if at least half of our congregations participate. Click here for more information about how congregations can share this story with your members.
This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
Contact Information
ELCA South Carolina Synod
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone 803-765-0590
Fax 803-252-5558

Looking for Something?
Related Organizations
James R. Crumley, Jr., Archives (ELCA Archives)
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
NovusWay (Lutheridge+Lutherock+Luther Springs+Lutheranch)
South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth
South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission