Zion, like all churches, raises money for two reasons. The first is to support our operation – that’s building costs, heating, staff, etc. The second is to further the work of God, both in our community and around the world.
Zion is fortunate to have a generous congregation, which allows us to help many charities, including:
Local
The Salvation Army
House of Blessing
Canadian Mental Health
HP Centre for Children and Youth
Children’s Aid Society
Alzheimer Society of Perth
Shelterlink
Stratford Assoc. for Community Living
National & International
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Canadian Food Grains Bank
Lutheran Missionaries
Canadian Bible Society
Miscellaneous international mission projects
How to make an offering or donation
If you’d like to support Zion’s work at home and around the world, you may do so at any time. Weekly offerings are collected each Sunday, or you may call the office directly for other giving opportunities.
Offering by direct deposit (PAR)
You can also choose to have your offering deposited directly from your bank account to ours. This is called PAR, which stands for “pre-authorized remittance” . Please call or email or visit the office for more information or to make arrangements.
Thank you for your generosity!
What’s the difference between Current and Benevolence giving?
Your Zion offering envelope allows you to designate where your gift is used. The Current fund pays for the first part of our mission – supporting the church and its day-to-day expenses. The Benevolence fund pays for mission work outside the bricks-and-mortar church.
If you don’t want to choose, don’t worry. We take guidance from our elected Church Council, which will allocate your gift where it is needed most.
Zion’s Endowment Fund
Another of Zion’s great blessings is an endowment left to us in 1988 by a generous benefactor. In accordance with the wishes of the original donor, income from this fund is divided equally between local, national and international needs.
Projects supported by our Endowment include:
– House of Blessing
– Salvation Army
– Camp Edgewood
– Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
– Canadian Lutheran World Relief
– Lutheran Missionaries
– Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Eastern Synod
A gift to Zion’s Endowment Fund allows us to continue this vital mission work, so please remember us in your charitable giving.
Planned Giving
Leaving a bequest to Zion is a wonderful way to leave a legacy of hope and blessing, helping Zion perform the work of Christ, both in Stratford and around the world.
If you’d like to explore leaving a bequest in your will, please contact the office, or visit Lutheran Planned Giving for more information.
Thank you for your generosity!
Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford 