This week I want to bring you up to speed on one of the great things at GCC that is quiet and nearly invisible, but still a meaningful ministry. On Christmas Eve, GCC takes up an offering for something we call the “mercy fund”. You may have seen the yellow cards in your bulletin throughout this month about this fund. What is this special fund and how is it used? Why is it a worthwhile thing to support?
This fund is administered by the deacons of our church as a part of their unique role in ministry at GCC. If a person at GCC has a financial need, they go to the deacons who consider the request. Sometimes, the deacons are made aware of a need by a member or staff person who approaches them, and they talk over the concern. Depending on the circumstance, they meet some or all of the need. It is a very quiet thing. Others in the organization, including myself, have no idea the assistance has been offered unless we referred the person to the deacons.
A typical example is a couple needing counseling who can’t afford to pay for all of it.
Imagine the tension in a marriage where finances are a part of the conflict and discord. Counseling is needed to help make progress in the relationship, but the financial pressures make that feel impossible. The deacons have the ability to assist families in this situation through the mercy fund.
Many people today are underemployed or unemployed. This includes some in our own congregation who have gone through financial setbacks. When a need comes up in such a family, the deacons have the ability to respond with key financial aid to help the family through the crisis.
For people outside of GCC who approach us for financial aid, the deacons work directly with our local Christian relief agency, Love INC. Love INC evaluates the need, and connects several churches in the area with that expense. Suppose someone living on the margins can’t pay rent, or has a past due notice on a power bill. Love INC evaluates it, and spreads the cost over a number of churches. Several of our members volunteer their time to work at Love INC, as a part of the fulfillment of their membership vows. Once again, the mercy fund enables the deacons to respond to needs in the wider community when prudent.
The deacons have been hard at work this year with the fund, putting it to work in helping people in need. The fund has been active, so there is a need to replenish and restock for the coming year.
You can give to the mercy fund at any time by making a check to Grace Community church with “mercy fund” in the memo line. You can put it in the plate or drop it in the mail to GCC. Of course, even if you don’t get your check in before the end of the year, the money can be put to use no matter when you donate it! Any checks or cash to GCC on Christmas Eve will go to the mercy fund.
There is one thing we can’t do with the mercy fund. Suppose you think someone needs a new dryer, and you want to purchase it for them through the church. You cannot give to the GCC mercy fund and direct how the money is used. This violates the law regarding tax deductibility. You can 1) Point out the need to the deacons, and ask them to consider it. Or, 2) You can just buy it for the people in need! I encourage this kind of giving. I am the church, and so are you. When you do it, the “church” does it. Whether assistance comes from the deacons or from us as individuals, we are fulfilling the Lord’s mandate to love one another!
I’m glad we have the mercy fund to help people for whom 2014 proves to be a challenge. We look forward to seeing you over the Christmas holidays if the Lord wills! 2014 is shaping up to be a banner year at GCC. Can’t wait!
In Him,
Don