Deacon Giving
The Deacons are humbled and privileged to come alongside those who are hurting or in need to provide assistance – “to care for orphans and widows in their distress” or “give a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name.” This year, because your extensive and generous giving, the Deacons were able to give more than $30,000 to help those in need. The aid went to care for people in crisis, battling disease, and/or struggling financially.

Being a mercy ministry, the Diaconate considers that all cases and transactions are confidential. Any figures stated in this memo are ballpark figures. The diaconate budget at the beginning of each fiscal year (Sept. 1) is $4000.00. Over the past six years, through the incredible generosity of the body at Grace, we have spent approximately $25-30,000.00 each year!  WE DEPEND ON THAT CONTINUED GENEROSITY!

Whatever is left over in late August, we vote on how that is to be spent. For instance, in late August of 2006, we divided the balance between a gift to Grace Biltmore, a sum for Ingles food and gas cards, a designated account for housing and utilities, and a designated account for auto repair.  (The designated accounts are rollover accounts because these needs tend to be more critical and urgent than others which I will delineate below.) You will see that, for the most part,  the diaconate deals in crisis management; generally short and sometimes long term. When appropriate the Diaconate refers those in need to  agencies such as: Interfaith  (in Hendersonville), WCC, and  Angel Food.

CATEGORIES

Home Maintenance and Repair:

Fire and flood damage; cleaning out and rebuilding foundations
New roofing and flooring
Other interior remodeling such as creation of a new room in an existing structure for a care-giver

Rent and Mortgage payment:

Typically short-term, but a crisis matter (like loss of employment)

Utilities:

Heating and electricity; again a crisis matter

Medical Bills:

Due to lack of or lapsed medical insurance; usually a large item

Insurance:

Automobile (short term)  (when their policy would otherwise lapse)

Food and Gasoline:

Ingles coupons which can be used for both food and gas

Counseling:

We recommend that recipients take the  Crown Financial class.  We provide a financial counselor who works with them on their budget.

Donated vehicles (from 5-7 per year)

Vehicles are given anonymously, inspected by a local garage for road-worthiness, and turned over to the person who is in need. Donated cars are always needed and greatly appreciated.

All recipients must fill out a financial aid statement as fully as possible and submit it to the office before any action can be taken.

All bills (utility, rent, etc.) are paid directly by the office to the business or company owed. Ingles cards are held in the office for short-term crises dispersement.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE

One can contribute to this mercy ministry by contributing to Grace Community Church by specifying Diaconate on the memo line.