At Court Street UMC, we believe in being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This month, in honor of Pastor Matt’s first month with us at Court Street, we are focusing our special offering on the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund —a vital resource that allows our pastor the flexibility to respond quickly and compassionately to urgent needs.
What is the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund?
The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund is a special fund set aside for the pastor to use at his/her discretion to assist individuals or families facing financial hardship. This fund reflects our commitment to living out our faith by caring for our neighbors.
This fund is not for the pastor’s personal use or for expenses related to church programs unless specifically authorized by the church council.
Guidelines for Responsible Handling
To ensure the fund is used appropriately, we adhere to several key guidelines:
- Purpose Specification: The fund is used exclusively for aiding the needy. It may also cover certain approved church expenses that are not part of the regular budget.
- Documentation: The pastor documents all distributions, detailing the types of assistance provided (e.g., groceries, medical bills, transportation).
- Non-Cash Assistance: Whenever possible, funds are used to purchase goods and services directly rather than providing cash assistance.
- Request and Approval: The pastor requests funds using a voucher form, ensuring internal control while maintaining confidentiality.
- Audit and Oversight: The fund is audited along with other church funds, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Personal Use Prohibition: The pastor or their family may not use the fund for personal expenses.
- Spending Limits: The amount that can be spent at one time without advance approval from the church council is limited.
Examples of Appropriate Use
- Grocery Assistance: Providing $100 in grocery coupons to a needy family.
- Medical Support: Paying $500 directly to a hospital for emergency treatment.
- Transportation: Covering transportation costs for someone needing to travel for medical treatment.
Protecting Our Church and Community
By following these guidelines, we ensure the fund is used responsibly, protecting both our pastor and our church from any accusations of misuse. It also helps us remain good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, making sure that every dollar goes towards doing God’s work in our community.
We invite you to contribute to this month’s special offering, which supports the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. You can make online donations, notate it on your weekly offering, whether it’s cash or a check, or use the donation box in the Bishop Early Hall. Your generosity will enable us to continue providing essential support to those in need, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in our community.
Thank you for your continued support and stewardship.
No responses yet