As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, reflecting on the blessings we hold, we at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) turn our gratitude toward the people who strengthen our mission every day — the congregations, donors, and volunteers who embody what it means to love your neighbor.
At the heart of our work is a shared call present across all major faith traditions: to welcome the stranger, to serve those in need, and to embrace our neighbors with compassion. That shared belief is what unites our partners across the faith spectrum and sustains the work we do.
Congregational Support
The Rev. Christine Dunn, LSSNCA’s Development Director, describes congregational support as both foundational and transformative.
“Our roots are grounded in the call to serve our neighbor — a call echoed in every major faith tradition,” she reflected. “We are fortunate to have broad support from many different faith communities. That support matters because it brings stability and deep community partnership to our work.”
Congregations offer more than resources — they extend their mission beyond their walls, giving their members meaningful ways to serve neighbors directly.
“When we work together, we are stronger together,” Christine says. “Each congregation brings unique skills, gifts, and compassion, allowing us to provide holistic, well-rounded services.”
Our collaborative unity has endured challenging times. When the federal government halted funding for refugee reception and placement, leaving nearly 400 newly arrived refugees in limbo, our partners did not turn away.
“Congregations, volunteers, and partners stepped in immediately,” Christine shared. “They provided food, clothing, mentorship, and financial support. That outpouring of solidarity reflected the very best of who we are.”
Flexible support from congregations enabled LSSNCA to continue offering services despite unpredictable funding. Communities pivoted quickly, giving emergency financial gifts and offering hands-on help.
Pastor CJ Valenti of Faith Lutheran in Arlington sees the partnership with LSSNCA as central to living out the gospel.
“Now more than ever, the gospel is clear — we meet God through our neighbor,” she shared. “We’re called to create communities of care, and the work of LSSNCA helps us do that.”
For Faith Lutheran, supporting LSSNCA is both a calling and a gift.
“Churches alone can’t do it. We need help. It’s a beautiful thing when we can walk alongside an organization like LSSNCA, working together for the good of the community,” Pastor CJ said. “We need each other — we’re designed to live together.”
At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, the call to welcome the stranger is woven into its 75-year history.
“As a congregation, we have always welcomed refugees,” said Pastor Mike Gutzler of Holy Trinity. “We supported families to the point where they became integral parts of our community. Some of our building spaces are named after refugee families who arrived through our support.”
Holy Trinity has partnered with LSSNCA since its earliest days — through volunteers, board service, and an enduring endowment that supports LSSNCA’s work.
“What LSSNCA provides is a stronger foundation and support network for people facing profound challenges — refugees, individuals needing legal services, or children in need of foster homes,” Pastor Mike explained. “These are fundamental resources, and this is the work we are called to as disciples.”
Pastor Mike reminds us that our calling is to serve our neighbor, especially those experiencing pain, suffering, or marginalization.
“Acts of love are not politically motivated — they’re faith motivated. We will always have work to do, and we are grateful for partners like LSSNCA who help us do it.”
The Notes That Kept Hope Alive
Throughout this year, LSSNCA donors shared heartfelt messages with their gifts — reminders of the personal histories, hopes, and prayers woven into our community of support. These messages inspired and reminded us that through uncertain and challenging times, our community shares our values in words and actions:
“Thank you for all you do to help immigrants feel welcome in a strange, new country with so much opportunity.”
“In memory of my mother, Eleanor, who welcomed and supported everyone.”
“To help cover a small part of what is being dropped by our Federal Government.”
“For the LSSNCA staff who have been laid off, and those remaining.”
“In honor of all the brave women, men, and children who risked their lives to help the U.S.”
“In honor of my grandfather, who resettled refugees of the Holocaust after escaping with his family.”
LSSNCA Volunteers
Alongside congregational partners and donors, volunteers remain a lifeline for our work.
They step in with innovative ways to give back to the community.
During Ramadan, as newly arrived families faced uncertainty around shifting immigration policies, volunteers organized to distribute 400 meal boxes. For Maliha, who helped organized the meal distribution, the work was deeply personal:
“Any one of us can find ourselves in that position — in a foreign land where everything is new. It takes a community. I’m thankful to LSSNCA for making sure that support reaches the families who need it most.”
Volunteers support LSSNCA’s work with their steadfast commitment. A commitment that is inspired by their own immigrant and personal stories.
Beth, a volunteer inspired by her ancestors’ immigration story, shared:
“They came here with one suitcase. It must have been so scary. But strangers opened their doors to them. Volunteering feels like my chance to pay that forward.”
While, Lord, a former refugee and longtime LSSNCA volunteer, described how essential guidance can be for new arrivals:
“Setting up a bank account, understanding the school system — all of it was foreign to us. Without help, everything was harder. LSSNCA fills that critical gap so newcomers aren’t left navigating alone.”
This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for every congregation, donor, volunteer, and partner who alongside us serves our neighbors. Your generosity keeps our mission alive. Your faith strengthens our work. Your kindness gives us hope.
