At the January 28, 2024, congregational meeting, Spirit of Life members adopted an operating budget. Part of this budget includes a benevolence amount that Spirit of Life gives to the Southwest Washington Synod each month. This year, according to the adopted budget, Spirit of Life will contribute 10 percent of its giving to the synod. This is projected to total a little more than $14,000 over the course of 2024. 
​A little background: Spirit of Life is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a large national Lutheran denomination. The ELCA is made up of 65 synods, which are regional bodies that oversee different church operations. These operations include, but are not limited to:

• Starting and supporting new congregations
• Helping churches call pastors and deacons
• Sharing resources, training and support
• Witnessing the gospel to people throughout the region
• Connecting to Lutheran charitable organizations

For many years, Spirit of Life struggled financially, and it was hard to contribute the 10 percent that was recommended by the synod. So Spirit of Life leadership set a goal many years ago to increase the synod contribution amount by a quarter percent each year, with the goal of reaching 10 percent. And this year it happened! We give thanks for the faithful leadership stewarding this process over the years, and for God's generosity and graciousness to Spirit of Life and its people.