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Congregational Connections

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s Connectors form a network of volunteer leaders in congregations across southern Arizona. Connectors serve a crucial role in helping Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest understand how to best serve their community and linking their congregations to Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest programs and opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy, while enlisting congregational support of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest through volunteer service, in-kind giving, annual pledges, budget allocations, designated giving and fundraising.

Connector Role

Connectors are active in four primary areas:

1) Service 
Ambassadors work with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest service staff in their region to define and coordinate opportunities for volunteer service.

2) Communication 
Ambassadors provide ongoing information within their congregations regarding access to services, service updates, legislative and budgetary updates affecting Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest programs, and the need for financial support of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest programs.

3) Fundraising 
Ambassadors may develop fundraising events in the congregation and the community to support Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest programs. They engage the congregation in specific opportunities for giving (campaigns for a line of service, capital campaigns). They may also lead an effort to launch a long-term sponsorship of a Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest service in the community or host events for the community to learn more about Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest programs.

4) Advocacy 
Ambassadors work within the congregation and join with other faith communities to affect public will in legislation and public funding.

Contact Braden Biggs-Lopez at bbiggs@lss-sw.org for information.

Congregational Relations

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s Congregational Relations is committed to:

  • Building relationships with congregations and their members.

  • Providing opportunities for churches to support their community through meaningful giving, volunteerism and advocacy.

  • Increasing engagement and support from congregations and their members in support of the Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest mission: "stabilizing lives in times of crisis, building foundations for people to thrive, and preserving dignity and respect for the most vulnerable.”