Riverside Reflections

December 2010

Rev. Millie Rochester

We are a generous congregation, both within and beyond our walls. In the months of October and November, we have donated almost $600 through the Share the Plate program, by splitting part of the Sunday offering once each month. The West Central Women’s Resource Centre and Rossbrook House have been the first recipients.

Someone recently asked me why, when our congregation gives so open-handedly to other organizations, we do not help our own members when they are in dire straights or need a helping hand. I was very glad to answer that WE DO, through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

Whether it is a reflection of difficult economic times generally, or other circumstances beyond our control, sometimes we just need assistance, and for many people, asking for help is extremely difficult.

The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is entirely dependent on specific donations, rather than the general operating budget. All requests are handled confidentially in ways that respect those needing help, while keeping in mind faithful stewardship of your gifts. To avoid dependency, any one person or family is not helped on a regular basis, and the financial assistance is limited. The most common requests for help are for housing, transportation, utilities, and medicine; however, I am pleased to sometimes be able to help fund participation in CUC activities.

The largest gifts I have received for this fund have been in thanks for pastoral care during times of loss, and at Christmas time. There is no “minimum” requirement.

I am grateful for the generosity of the members and friends of this congregation that enables me to provide financial assistance from the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. If a financial crisis renders you unable to pay for your housing, food, medication, utilities, transportation or other urgent items, please contact me.

It feels good to know that we can help the wider community through organizations such as the West Central Women’s Resource Centre, Rossbrook House, and Women for Women in Afghanistan, which will be the recipient of our Christmas Eve Service offering (these three groups will rotate for the rest of the church year). It is good to know that our generosity extends also to one another, and that we can help, through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

Warmest blessings,

Millie