Benevolence Fund

Can you help us?  That's a question we are frequently asked as a church, sometimes by those within our congregation, and sometimes by those outside who turn to the church in times of need.

Our goal is, as much as possible, to put into practice the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:  "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

We recognize there are those who exploit the generosity of Christians, and we try to guard against that, but we would rather err on the side of being taken advantage of than take the risk of not helping someone who has a genuine need.

Here are some ways our church has used the "Benevolence Fund" (formerly Deacon's Fund) to help others:

Within the congregation:

• Non-specific financial gifts to two families
• Provided diapers for a family
• Helped two families with rent

Outside the congregation:

• Clothing needed for a new job
• Gas for auto used for employment
• Food and shopping card (two families)

Because of extensive needs in our community right now, we have currently "bottomed out" this account and are unable to respond to needs that may come to us at this time.  Although we only focus on this need the first Sunday of each month, you may designate a special "over-and-above" gift to help others at any time.  Please use "Benevolence Fund" envelopes in the pews.

Thank you to those of you whom God has blessed with the ability to help others, and who have been faithful to make this kind of help from our church possible in the Name of Jesus our Lord.