The Ministers of Mercy exist primarily to help the food and financial needs of the congregation here at Sherwood. If you are looking for assistance, please call the office at (902) 892-7958, or email at sherwoodchurch@pei.aibn.com.
Sherwood Church of Christ Benevolence Fund
As a church, we do more than just teach and preach the gospel. Our desire is to minister and help our members in a variety of practical ways. One way we help our members is to provide emergency financial aid to our members from a benevolence fund that we keep for this purpose. Our resources, of course, are limited, so we have adopted the following guidelines to share with those in need:
Our Minister of Mercy deacons administer this fund, so when you have a need, please contact the church office. Our benevolence fund is replenished from our church budget and from special offerings taken during our church service.
We are happy to help. Asking for and receiving help is a natural part of the Christian life. There need be no shame in asking for help. All of us have been both on the “giving” and the “receiving” end of Christian love, mercy, and help.
Accountability and confidentiality are both built into our system. The Ministers of Mercy will need to know enough details about your need to verify that this is an emergency need. These details will be shared with a second deacon before funds can be disbursed. No one else will receive information about your request, but your deacon may want to schedule a follow up visit to make sure that your needs have been met.
Biblical and financial counseling is available. We have men and women who will be glad to help you with a budget and give you information that will help you in the future. Those who make a second request from the fund will be expected to take advantage of this financial counseling.
We do not make loans. When we are able to help, we will do so without any expectation that the money will be repaid. If you later are able to help others, feel free to make a gift to the benevolence fund.
Our funds are limited. Our desire is to meet every request, but funds are limited and we are able to help only in true emergencies.
Work is available. Much of the work of our church is conducted by those who volunteer their time and talents. We believe that those who receive benevolence funds from the church will freely offer their time, talents, and abilities to the church as well. At any given time, we have work around the church that needs to be done. When this work is done by volunteers, it reduces our expenses and allows us to put more of our funds directly into ministry.
We encourage and teach a Christian lifestyle. Though all of us will have emergency needs and tough times, we believe that—in the end—God blesses those who serve Him. As part of helping you with emergency funds, we want to remind you and encourage you to do those things which are pleasing to God: Participate regularly in worship services, study the Bible, pray, work hard, serve God, live with integrity, spend wisely, and give your tithe to God.