January and February Pastor Meetings
Just into the new year I began an aggressive effort of meeting pastors or our member churches as well as potential members. We are blessed to have such a wonderful community of pastors who are very compassionate and supportive to the ministry of helping low-income families. One thing that struck me most about being with pastors has been the willingness to work together in serving the poor. Part of my efforts in meeting with pastors was to update our community resource directory and strategies ways we can work together to meeting needs. I am very excited about the many wonderful ministries churches already offer to help low-income families.As we talked, I found that many of the pastors were very willing to develop relationships and provide further resources to needy families. Once way we can do this is through our newest network resource called, "Gift of Time and Talent" that works to recruit local church volunteers. These volunteers can provide ministry "gifts" to low-income families in the form of basic car maintenance, household repairs, temporary transportation, mentoring at-risk youth, tutoring, and family support. Many of the needs of families can be met through the local church!
LOVE is a network of people, the Body of Christ, working together through volunteering. I have a curious interest in providing low-income families with "ways they can save money." This "Saving Money" directory can include services at a reduced rate. It can include qualified volunteers who can contribute their time and provide a service at a reduced rate. This could include a free oil change. This could include free tickets to sporting events. This could include free transportation to doctor appointments. Services in household repairs, winterization of windows and doors, and small appliance repairs can save what little precious resources low-income families have. The possibilities are endless! Help us build our "Saving Money" directory.
LOVE can handle the intake and referral process. We can verify the need. What we can not do is be the church - that is the mandate of local congregations through out the community. We are the network resource. Look to us to mobilize the church around the needs of low income families.
Many churches provide services like a food pantry, clothing ministry, meals, small emergency funds, classes and children programming. While these are great outreach ministries, there are so many other ways that churches can be involved relationally. People in the church are just waiting for the opportunity to give the "Gift of Time and Talent."
posted by Rev. Rick Carder '87 / ' 03 @ 5:46 AM
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