Honoring Our Past. Trusting God for the Future.
The St. Matthew’s Legacy Fund
At St. Matthew’s, we believe that generosity is a powerful act of faith—one that reflects the very heart of Jesus. Through our Legacy Fund, we are taking a bold and prayerful step forward as a church family: to bless our community in a lasting way while honoring the faithful members who came before us.
“The righteous give generously.” — Psalm 37:21
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” — 2 Corinthians 9:11
What Is the Legacy Fund?
The Legacy Fund is a special giving initiative through which we will make a financial gift to a local nonprofits or charities making a significant impact in our community. This is more than a donation—it’s a spiritual investment in the kind of love, justice, and mercy that Jesus calls us to embody.
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” — Proverbs 19:17
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40
Our Legacy Fund Process
We are inviting every voice in our congregation to take part in this journey. Here's how it will work:
Step One: Congregational Suggestions
From now through September 7th, we invite you to submit the name of a local charity or nonprofit organization that you believe reflects Christ’s love in action. Drop your suggestion in the Legacy Gift Suggestion Box at church or comment online.
Step Two: Committee Discernment
The Legacy Fund Committee will thoughtfully and prayerfully review all submissions. The finalists will reflect our mission, values, and the needs of our community.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22
Step Three: Congregational Vote
In our final step, you will vote as a congregation on which organization will receive the Legacy Fund gift. This ensures our entire church community is part of the decision—and the blessing.
Voting on the legacy fund will take place at our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 28th, 2025.
Why This Matters
This legacy gift is about more than finances. It’s a statement of faith. We are choosing to trust in God's calling, to move forward with courage, and to live like Jesus—generous, compassionate, and always mindful of those in need.
“Give, and it will be given to you... For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” — Hebrews 13:16
As we look to the future, we also honor the faithfulness of those who came before us. This legacy gift is our way of building on their foundation—of carrying the torch of faith, hope, and love into the next generation.
Join Us
Submit your nomination today on Facebook or in our suggestion box located in the annex.
Pray for wisdom and unity as we move through this process.
Be part of a legacy of generosity and faith.
Together, let’s make a lasting impact in the name of Christ.
Legacy gifts dispersed
Legacy Fund Gifts previously given
After prayer, discernment, and thoughtful consideration of your in-person and online feedback, the Legacy Gift Committee shared a proposal to steward the generous gift in a way that reflects our shared mission to do God’s will and serve our neighbors in love. The body of St. Matthew’s voted unanimously to move forward with the gift.
☩ Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida – $25,000
Provides food assistance, refugee resettlement, and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, among other services.
Website: www.lssjax.org
☩ St. Gerard Campus – $20,000
A residential maternity home and accredited high school in St. Augustine offering education, counseling, and medical care to pregnant teenagers and young mothers.
Website: www.stgerardcampus.org
☩ Operation New Hope Re-entry Program – $10,000
An outreach ministry helping individuals transitioning from incarceration by providing housing support, mentorship, and community reintegration.
Website: www.stjohnsjax.org
☩ Scouts of America Troop 37 – $20,000
A long-standing troop based at St. Matthew’s that teaches leadership, citizenship, and life skills to youth in our community.
Website: www.nfcscouting.org
☩ Family Promise of Jacksonville – $50,000
Provides shelter and life-skills programming to families experiencing homelessness by partnering with local congregations.
Website: www.familypromisejax.org
☩ Exchange Club Family Center – $50,000
Works to prevent child abuse and strengthen families through counseling, in-home mentoring, and educational programs.
Website: www.exchangeclubfamilycenter.com
☩ Lutheran Disaster Response (ELCA) – $50,000
Responds to natural and human-made disasters across the world with immediate and long-term support while working through local partners.
Website: www.elca.org/disaster
☩ Jacksonville Campus Ministry – $50,000
Provides faith formation, worship, and community service opportunities for college students navigating life and spirituality.
Website: www.campusministryjax.org
☩ Arlington Community Services – $200,000
A vital neighborhood mission providing emergency food, utility assistance, hygiene products, and housing referrals to individuals and families in need.
Website: www.arlingtoncommunityservices.com
Lutheran Services Florida – $25,000
Provides food assistance, refugee resettlement, and support for individuals and families in need throughout Florida.
Website: https://www.lsfnet.org/
This thoughtful distribution seeks to honor Christ’s call to care for the poor, uplift the vulnerable, and invest in sustainable ministries that reflect our values and community roots.
This gift series was prayerfully reviewed and voted on by the body of St. Matthew’s at our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Thank you for your faithful presence, your generosity of spirit, and your continued commitment to living out the mission of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church: to do God’s will and share the joy of Christ.
With gratitude and hope,
The Legacy Gift Committee