Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
On May 21st, 2008 ELC thanked the many people who volunteer by hosting a dinner in their honor. See pictures of the dinner.

Causeway
Over 600 volunteers and 40 area churches match volunteers with individuals to do errands for those who are not able.

Communion Fund
Since Pastor Stoffel established the English Lutheran Church Communion Fund in the 1930’s in order to help members who were destitute because of the Great Depression, the Fund has provided support for those in need. The pastors of English Lutheran distribute the funds based on an application form available at the church office. Offerings contributed through the green "Communion Fund" envelopes distributed at communion services provide funds for sharing with needy families and individuals.

CROP Walk for Hunger
Area churches and organizations walking together to raise money for local and world hunger. 25% of the money goes to local organizations. This year (2006) English Lutheran raised $1937.28 and had 22 walkers.

Habitat for Humanity
As a covenant church, English Lutheran pledges itself to provide funds and labor each year for Habitat for Humanity. We will designate certain Saturdays each year for ELC volunteers to work at the houses. For more information, contact the church office.

Hospital Ministry
Patients are provided with a visit and communion.

Hungry Jar
At each weekend service, children bring their coins and place them in the "Hungry Jar" at the altar. During 2006, our children collected $5,825.49 in the Hungry Jar. This money was given for children in need to New Horizons, Bridge of Life Lutheran Church, Agape Asian Ministry right here in La Crosse to the Children's Ministry in Peru and the Katrina mission trip.

Lutheran Campus Ministry
English Lutheran Church has a "Covenant Relationship" with Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) - La Crosse. Currently LCM is raising money for a new facility on the corner of State and 17th Streets next to the campus of UWL. English Lutheran has raised $100,000 as a leadership gift for this new LCM facility. About 30 - 40 college and university students worship with us at English Lutheran every week. For more information about Lutheran Campus Ministry, please contact campus minister Paul Petersen.

Social Ministry Projects
Each year, English Lutheran supports community based social ministry projects with money, in-kind support and workers. During the past year we supported the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Operation Christmas, "Come to Supper" at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Causeway, Riverside, and Mobile Meals. For more information please contact Dale Meyer (788-2874) or Mary Fitzpatrick.

Visitation
Volunteers donate time to visit shut-in and nursing home members.

WAFER
Now at 403 Causeway Boulevard. Over 900 families are assisted through WAFER each month. ELC provides volunteers and collect non-perishable food items. We participate in spring, fall, and Super Bowl Sunday food drives.

Benevolence gifts to ELCA

Church Vocations
If you are interested in information about vocations in the church, please talk with one of our pastors or contact our seminaries directly: Luther Seminary or Wartburg Seminary.

Companion Synod
Our Companion Synod is the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus - Central Synod. In February of 2004, Bishop April Larson brought together a team to travel to the Central Synod, EECMY. In 2001 Dr. Kurt Mueller of English Lutheran Church traveled to Ethiopia on a medical fact finding trip sponsored by the ELCA. In 2002 Pastor Solyst taught the spring term at the regional seminary in our companion synod.

ELCA Hunger Appeal

Endowment Fund
Each year the Endowment Fund of English Lutheran Church distributes more than $20,000 for mission projects around the world and in our own community. Since the fund’s inception in 1996, over $282,600 has been distributed through projects that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and help the needy people of our world. If you want information on planned giving or desire assistance in creating a bequest, please contact Pastor Solyst or one of the members of Endowment Committee: Tom Barth, Sue Durtche, Larry Vangen, or Bruce Walters. If you want to suggest a future mission project, application forms are available in the kiosk in the narthex. Applications are due before December 31, 2007.

Hungry Jar
See Our Neighborhood

Lutheran World Relief

Mission Trips
We have had two groups go to Ocean Springs, MS for Katrina Relief. Another group is going in January, 2008. If you would like more information, contact Chuck or Carmen Gustafson.

In June of 2004, Pastor Kent Johnson and several others from our congregation went on a trip to Nicaragua through the Rainbow Network. See photos and information on the trip.

In March of 2003, Lee Johnson and Carol Showalter traveled to Vietnam to serve and bring medical supplies for Children of Peace International. See photos and information on the trip.