Believing in LSSI’s Mission

Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger has known about the mission of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) her entire life. With a grandfather who was a Lutheran pastor and served with LSSI, Rev. Nelson Winger has always been familiar with and wanted to support LSSI’s work. Now, as she lives her calling as associate dean of students and University Chaplain at Illinois Wesleyan University, Rev. Nelson Winger gives to LSSI in many ways. She serves on its Board of Directors and is a member of the Cornerstone Society and the Good Shepherd Society.

“To me, LSSI is the gospel in action,” Rev. Nelson Winger said. “As a Christian and Lutheran, I hear Christ’s call to love our neighbors and to give to those in need, and LSSI does that.”

Nelson Winger’s commitment to the Cornerstone Society enables her to philanthropically provide for LSSI’s future concurrently with her work on the Board of Directors and her ongoing support of the organization. This is ideal for her as she raises her family and continues her meaningful work at the university.

“LSSI allows me to be a part of the larger work of the church,” Nelson Winger said. “I knew that if I had the opportunity to leave a legacy, I wanted LSSI to be a part of it.”

Nelson Winger holds a strong conviction that LSSI’s work truly embodies God’s hands and feet in the world, which she shows through her support and enthusiasm.

“Supporting LSSI allows you to live out your faith, to be inspired by the church,” Nelson Winger said. “I really believe in LSSI’s mission. We can’t be the church without organizations like LSSI.”