Chili Challenge
FACT SHEET
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Chili Challenge
November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
a fundraising event to benefit Lutheran Campus Ministry
at Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF
• Churches will be invited to host a chili supper (or soup supper, potluck, etc.) between November 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. Churches can schedule their event at their convenience, i.e., following Sunday service, on a weeknight, as a part of their Advent or Lenten gatherings, etc.
• A goodwill offering will be collected at the event to benefit Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM). Additionally, churches may also select a Sunday near the event date and designate a special offering on that Sunday to benefit LCM. Congregations could also elect to sell tickets to the event.
• Pastor Julie Kelly or an LCM board member will attend the event and provide a short program, reacquainting congregations with LCM. Additionally, copies of the LCM brochure will be provided. If possible, a current LCM student will also attend. (Student would be invited to speak about their experience with LCM, providing they’re comfortable doing so.)
• For events planned on Sunday, churches can coordinate with Pastor Julie Kelly to provide the sermon. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide church pastors with a day off!
• The LCM representative can serve as a “judge” to pick the best chili/soup, etc. LCM will provide a prize.
• LCM board members will be asked to serve as the liaison to 3 – 4 churches to reach-out/follow-up, encourage participation, and answer questions.
• Joni Pulliam and Patsy Glista will work on a communication plan, i.e., letter/info sheet to churches, bulletin insert, etc.
• Program benefits: raise money for LCM, increase awareness of LCM, “put a face” on LCM to conference churches, and share with congregations how to be involved with LCM.