Teaching Sunday school to first and second graders, I’m fairly certain that I have learned more than I have taught.

On a recent Sunday morning, I shared Jesus’ parable of the bags of gold (Matthew 26).

A rich man gave his workers different amounts of gold. To one, he gave five bags, to another two, and to a third, one. The first two men each doubled their gold, while the third man hid his master’s money in a hole in the ground. 

When the master returned, he was very pleased with the first two, as they had been faithful with a few things. The third man, however, was called “wicked and lazy,” and his gold was given to the first worker.

This parable reminds us that we should be good stewards of the gifts God has given us, making the most of what we’ve been given, whatever the amount.

Thrivent Multiplies Gifts  

One way many LPGM supporters multiply their gifts is through Thrivent. LPGM is grateful to be a Thrivent Choice®-enrolled organization. Through Thrivent’s generosity programs, LPGM is eligible to receive Choice Dollars® funding, fee-free donations, and grant support from Thrivent Action teams.

    If you're a Thrivent member, you may have 2025 Choice Dollars® available to direct.

• Don’t let these dollars remain untouched like the third man’s bag of gold; students at the margins are counting on your support March 31 is the deadline for last year’s dollars.
• These extra dollars support unsponsored students in India and respond to our partners’ unexpected needs, especially in times of famine or political crisis, such as the election protests and killings we witnessed last fall in Tanzania. These calamities make accessing education even harder, but with your support, young people can get what they need to stay in school.
• Visit thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” to get started.

Additionally, Thrivent clients may make gifts to LPGM fee-free through Thrivent’s online giving platform, with Thrivent covering all processing fees!

Finally, you may be eligible to apply for a Thrivent Action Teams grant. 

• These grants can help fund meaningful LPGM activities and events, increasing our visibility and advancing our mission.
• Thanks to Development Committee member Gloria Landbo, we received a Thrivent Action Teams grant in 2025 which provided funds for us to host a “Thank-a-thon” in October. The grant paid for lunch for volunteers s they wrote thank-you notes to supporters like you and even covered the postage! We are most grateful.
• Learn more about possible projects by contacting me at bethany@lutheranpartners.org or 612-806-0733.

Not a Thrivent client? No worries! There are many ways to multiply your gifts, such as:

1. If you’re still in your working years, check with your employer to see if they will match your donation. Many match 1:1, and sometimes even 2:1 or 3:1!
2. Start your own fundraiser, such as in honor of a special milestone, where you offer to match your friends’ and family’s gifts. This multiplies both money and awareness.
3. Work with your financial advisor to identify smart ways to give while minimizing taxes, such as through stocks or other appreciated assets.
4. Create long-term multiplication through your estate gift, such as by including LPGM in your will or beneficiary designations. If you already have, please let me know.

Interested in learning more? Contact me at bethany@lutheranpartners.org or 612-806-0733.

A heartfelt thanks to all Thrivent clients who have used Thrivent’s generosity programs to support students through LPGM; the friends listed below directed over $6,000 to LPGM through Choice Dollars® in 2025! Together, we make a difference.

Thanks to Thrivent Choice Dollar® Donors, 2025*

*This list is based on names provided to us by Thrivent. If you believe we’ve missed your name, please contact me.