EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH

FIRST FRUITS PARTNERS

WHAT IS FIRST FRUITS?

As a church we strive to lead by example. Just as we challenge our congregation to be generous, we, as a church, respond to what God has given us and the needs around us. We call our benevolence, the financial support that we give to other organizations, First Fruits. This term finds its roots in the Old Testament where God challenges and reminds the people that their offerings aren't the scraps or what’s left over, but the first and best of what they have received, first fruits. Our benevolence is based on a set percentage of the support we receive and is distributed to a handful of partners that we believe live out the same calling and make a difference. These checks are written before we pay our mortgage or salaries. Giving is a huge component of faith. Giving is not just a way to say "thanks" or support a worthy organization but to also trust that God will continue to provide and give us our daily bread. 

 

Our First Fruit Partners

 

ILAG (Iglesia Luterana Agustina Guatemala)

ILAG (pronounced EE-log) has been a First Fruit partners since 2020. ILAG is a church that was founded in 1991. At its inception, ILAG began as a pastoral/social support team in the quest for dignity and social justice. ILAG is now comprised of nearly 3,000 members in 18 congregations in the city of Guatemala and in remote communities. Under the ILAG umbrella are congregations, the Milagro Women’s Education Center, and CLAG (Lutheran school). 

Learn More

We received a heartfelt "Thank you!" from ILAG, MILAGRO and the Synod. Letters of gratitude are posted on the bulletin board in the cafe regarding the generous fund raising donation to MILAGRO from Epiphany. Stop by and check them out as you grab a cup of coffee. And thank you again from the Epiphany Guatemala Team for your overwhelming support of this ministry! 

JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY TO ILAG AND MILAGRO IN AUGUST 2026!

Click the register now image to register for the trip.  We need deposits by June 1st to secure activity and accommodation reservations.

Preferred flight reservation information is also available via the registration form page under resource.

Meet the young ladies attending MILAGRO in 2026!
Click the image below to download the 2026 bios.

Watch the video below to see what MILAGRO means to these young Guatemalan ladies. This is why we walk along with them on this journey.

ELCA Southeastern Synod

We support the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) church body through our giving to the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA. It is made up of congregations in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. Epiphany’s mission support gifts are merged with gifts from all congregations in the Southeastern Synod to support the work of the synod, which includes providing support and guidance for congregations, offering support and resources for leaders (lay and rostered), and promoting opportunities for youth. Through mission support dollars to the Southeastern Synod, Epiphany’s gifts also support ELCA national and global ministries.

Learn More SES Synod E-news page

 

Duluth High School Care Closet

 

Epiphany is excited to build and foster a supportive relationship with our new First Fruits partner at Duluth High School.  The Care Closet at Duluth High School is designed to support disadvantaged students where there is immediate need to address food insecurity. We invite you to join us in this new and exciting opportunity. Here’s how you can get involved:


  • Pray for our new partners, Duluth High School students, faculty, staff and for the work we will do together.
  • Please continue donating food and snack items appropriate for students to carry in backpacks


We will not be collecting and distributing food for DHS during the summer. However, we will continue to accept Hormel Compleats Meals. These are ALWAYS in high demand, have an extended shelf life, and are frequently sold BOGO at Publix. Please feel free to purchase these at any time. JUST SO Seniors and our VBS students will soon be collecting specific items for service projects, including hygiene needs, school supplies and cleaning products.


Coming this July, we will sponsor a Backpack Drive to raise funds to  purchase backpacks. These bags are often used not only as school backpacks, but also gym bags and even suitcases. Specific criteria for the backpacks will be coming out in June. If you happen to be planning ahead, please note, ELC will celebrate The Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, July 26th .