Local Relief

St. Paul writes,

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:9-10

Mercy begins with those closest to you. Let us do good to everyone, but especially to the household of faith.

Household of Faith, Body of Christ

St. Paul refers to the household of faith also as the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Commenting on these verses, Martin Luther writes

This is obvious: in anyone's foot hurts him, yes, even the little toe, the eye at once looks at it, the fingers grasp it, the face puckers, the whole body bends over to it, and all are concerned with this small member; again, once it is cared for all the other members are benefited.

Luther's Works, vol. 35, p. 52.

Because the Church is one body in Christ, it is of vital necessity that each member looks out for the others. If one is hurt, all hurt. If one suffers, all suffer.

Thus one of the greatest benefits of belonging to the body of Christ is that you have others who are looking out for you. When you suffer, the rest of the body brings relief.

Mercy for All

The mercy of Christ doesn't retreat at the church doors. Christ's nature is to have mercy.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

The body of Christ also reaches out with the mercy of Christ. Just as it is the nature of Christ to serve, so also the nature of the Church is to serve.

Emmanuel strives to identify needs within our congregation and in the community that surrounds us. To your right you can see some of the ways Emmanuel has brought the mercy of Christ to the community of Dwight.

Also visit the Organizations page to see some of the mercy organizations Emmanuel supports and with whom we work.

Tornado Relief

Pictures of tornado damage at Dwight trailer court.

Pictures of damage to home in Dwight.

Emmanuel addressed the needs of our community after a tornado went through the center of Dwight in June of 2010. In partnership with Lutheran Church Charities, and with cooperation from the American Red Cross, Emmanuel hosted a household item replacement drive. Over twenty families in Dwight were assisted in replacing small household items such as toasters, blenders, microwaves, and trash cans that had been lost in the storm.