We have always held aside a portion of money for benevolence to assist with those within our church body going through crises. This has been used in the past, to help those more vulnerable members whose homes may have been in disrepair or destroyed, who may have needed specialist equipment due to ill health, and/or those who have needed household items to help support their day-to-day family lives.
In light of the COVID pandemic, we envisage that as we ease out of the lockdown, furlough and debt holiday schemes there will be a significant increase in financial needs and we would like to be prepared to provide support for our church family. We want to be able to expand the opportunities for our members to receive from this church source and so are asking for £20,000 for our Benevolence fund over the forthcoming year.
We envisage that will be able to use this money to both, directly and indirectly, meet needs in the area of
Personal finances and advice
Debt management
Home Utility issues, support & advice
Accommodation & rent
Consumer Help, Advice & support
Counselling & Mental Health support
Employment & Training
Pastoral visits, support & befriending costs
As we again, reflect on the church of Acts 2, we read that the worship, joy and generosity of the first Church resulted in
... praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. - Acts 2:47
Our hope is that through our generosity of time, talent, commitment and love of Christ & others we can build a body of sustainable unity through the power of the Holy Spirit and all in our body will flourish.