Celebration! By Andy Thornton
I’m not referring to the classic song by Kool & The Gang. I’m referring to the Celebration Fund (formerly Birthday Fund), a discretionary fund administered by the Missions Committee and used to support local mission projects and special requests for assistance.
Here are some of ways the fund has been used over the last year:
A local family’s sole earner suffered a severe cut to his work hours resulting in a 50% decrease in income. While searching for new employment, the family was in jeopardy of losing their apartment and becoming late on other monthly expenses. The family visited St. Stephen and through conversation their situation became known to us. Upon confirmation of the dire nature of their circumstances, the committee approved a one-time disbursement of funds to bridge the gap and help get the family back on its feet.
A widowed mother and daughter (under the care of Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services) who are friends of some of our members were victims of a break-in at their home resulting in the loss of a substantial amount of property. The family was on a very limited budget and didn’t have the means to replace the property on their own. Again, after confirmation of the situation and careful consideration by the committee, a disbursement was made to replace a significant portion, if not all, of the stolen items.
Most recently, one of our members was in contact with a veteran that had been part of the Angel Tree project and became aware that this person, through a set of tragic circumstances, had no food to eat and was without the means to obtain any in the short-term. The committee approved a disbursement and the vet’s pantry was stocked. Additionally, she has been referred for services to which she is likely entitled.
These are all situations where we were able to serve God by serving others and help get some people in our community back on their feet. This is the beauty of the Celebration Fund.
So, the next time you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, milestone/achievement or to honor a loved one, why not make a gift to the Celebration Fund and make a difference in your community. Come on!