Do you itemize your charitable donations? With upcoming changes in deductions rules in 2026, if you’ve been planning a donation to the District, making it this year may offer you greater tax advantages. Consult with your advisors.
As you look ahead to the end of the year, you might be looking for opportunities to make donations in support of mission and ministry. Consider a few of our designated gift opportunities that help support the mental and spiritual health of our church workers, and work to build healthy congregations and a healthy district. A list of designated gift opportunities is available here on our giving page. Please contact missions@ndlcms.org for more options.
Church Worker Debt Retirement
Church worker debt retirement grants help active Nebraska Church workers reduce their educational debts incurred in preparation for ministry. In 2025, awards of $1,470 were made to 17 church worker applicants. The District Board of Directors is committed to providing more of these grants in 2026. Visit our giving page to make a designated gift in support of Church Worker Debt Retirement (add “Care: Church Worker Debt Retirement” in the designation area).
Family Life Ministry
The Nebraska District is focused on building up healthy congregations that are engaged in biblical education for all ages and in family life ministry. With the assistance of Deb Jurchen, who is serving the District as Congregational Consultant for Family Life Ministry, we are offering consultations to help your congregation learn how you can better meet the needs of the families you care for. Your financial support helps us provide the first part of the consultation process at no cost to congregations. Visit our giving page to make a designated gift in support of Family Life Ministry (add “Cultivate: Family Life Ministry” in the designation area).
Lutheran Ministry Foundation
Lutheran Ministry Foundation (LMF) is resuming its impactful role as a supporter of ministry in congregations, schools, and human care ministries throughout the District. The need to resource ministry and witness across the District continues to grow, and LMF is entering a new season of ministry to support these efforts. Your gift helps fund ministry grants to a variety of projects. Visit our giving page to make a gift in support of Lutheran Ministry Foundation.
Wives of Pastors Retreats
The challenges that pastors and their wives face are unique. Having a safe place to share family or ministry-related frustration or hurts is important for healthy church worker marriages, families, and ministries. These retreats provide a time for pastors’ wives to share and build friendships, to be renewed through God’s Word, be refreshed through laughter and community, and reminded that they are a precious child of God in Christ. Your financial support helps keep registration costs low and provides the opportunity for a variety of guest speakers and leaders. Visit our giving page to make a designated gift in support of these retreats (add “Care: Wives of Pastors Retreats” in the designation area).
Youth Ministry
Youth Gatherings proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ and God’s saving grace to His people through Christ. Preparations are underway for the 2026 Middle School Youth Gathering (now an annual event) and the District Youth Gathering–Kearney (once every three years, the year after the national LCMS Youth Gathering). Your gift will help us keep registration costs low. Youth ministry also includes support for Directors of Christian Education (DCEs). Visit our giving page to make a designated gift in support of youth ministry (add “Connect: Youth Ministry Events” in the designation area).
Consider an Unrestricted Gift
Unrestricted gifts allow us to fund mission and ministry projects as needed and are always appreciated. Make an unrestricted gift here.