We invite your nominations of outstanding people of service and scholarship

throughout the pan-Lutheran community of Western New York

to be honored at the 16th Annual Lutheran Awards Banquet

scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026.

 

Available awards are as follows: 

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The Magi Award –The Magi Awards are presented by the Lutheran Foundation to recognize individuals of exceptional service in their congregations in Western New York. Recipients are honored for their dedication, altruism and support of local ministries, social service, and community programs.  

 

The Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Loew Award for Human Service – Presented by Lutheran Charities, this award recognizes service in social ministry within and/or beyond the Lutheran Community in Western New York. Nominees may be Lutheran clergy or laity, salaried or volunteer, working with Lutheran or non-Lutheran agencies. Nominees also may be non-Lutherans involved with Lutheran agencies.  

 

The Edward G. Kinkel Memorial Scholarship – Presented by the St. John’s Lutheran Home for Children to Lutheran graduating high-school seniors, these $1,000 scholarships acknowledge academic excellence, congregational involvement and interest in serving youth and community.  

 

All nominations and applications are due on or before December 18, 2025 by 2:00 PM. 

 

 

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Submission Instructions: 

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• Please submit the enclosed forms and any additional pages and/or supporting documents by email, postal service, or in-person delivery to Lutheran Charities of Western New York at the address below.  All nominations must be received in full on or before December 18, 2025 by 2:00 PM. Late applications will unfortunately not be considered for review for the 2026 awards banquet. 

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• ALL nominations must be accompanied by the corresponding cover sheet for each award, and include the signature authorizations of both the Pastor/Director and the Council/Board President to be considered complete. Please note this is a new requirement this year. 

 

• Please also note if any supporting documentation for the nominees/applicants will be arriving under separate cover to be included in the nomination/application packet. Any documents arriving separately must also arrive on or before the deadline for an application to be considered complete.