By Jon Dize, CFRE
Director of Development
For two months around Christmas, a tree stood at Calvary Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Ind. But this wasn’t an ordinary tree. It was a tree that was making an impact.
In January 2026, Worship Anew received a gift from Calvary in support of our mission. While every gift to our ministry is a cherished blessing, what especially caught our attention with this donation was the note that was attached. In this note, the congregation expressed their desire “to support the inspirational television program” of Worship Anew, noting how “several members who are homebound benefit regularly from Gospel proclamations and music provided weekly.”
Calvary’s gift was not simply a routine missional offering. It grew out of a thoughtful, intentional effort by their Board of Stewardship: a “Giving Tree” initiative held during November and December 2025. Through this effort, members were invited to support selected ministries and organizations. Among these, Worship Anew held a special place.
“Many members who are shut-ins or sick watch the show and it is one way of hearing God’s Word on a weekly basis,” said Steve Skibbe, chairman of the Board of Stewardship at Calvary. “Our congregation will continue the support for Worship Anew, allowing more people to hear the message of God’s love for all.”
With this Giving Tree, the congregation had a visual and communal reminder of generosity, an opportunity for members to engage intentionally in stewardship, and a way to connect giving to real ministry outcomes.
The Worship Anew broadcast reaches members who due to illness, age, or circumstance cannot gather physically for worship. These brothers and sisters remain part of the Body of Christ yet often experience isolation. Calvary recognized this need as a real ministry to their own people, and we thank them for helping reach those who cannot be present in the sanctuary.
The saints of Calvary Lutheran Church remind us that stewardship is not only about maintaining what we have; it is about extending the Gospel where it is most needed. Their generosity ensures that the Word continues to be heard by those who might otherwise be spiritually isolated.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched. ~ Proverbs 11:25a
Photo provided by Calvary Lutheran Church: The Giving Tree is a wonderful example of generosity from a church. Calvary Lutheran Church is located in Plymouth, Ind.