DEACON'S CORNER FOR CONSCIENTIOUS GIVING

                                                                                     May 2024

Please prayerfully consider how you can support this month's offering causes and consciously plan your donation

“First Bag” Collection Causes   

May 5: Diaconal Ministries Canada-New Ground -- NewGround is funded primarily through this offering. The annual fundraising goal for NewGround is around $150,000. New Ground partners with churches across Canada to help them roll up their sleeves, break new mission ground, nurturing Spirit-led ideas into healthy ministries that bear everlasting fruit. We believe God is always at work and He calls churches to follow Him into their communities to share Christ’s transformational love with each and every person. Cities and neighbourhoods should be impacted and blessed through the social action and thoughtful, cultural engagement of local Christians. “New Ground enables churches to be courageous and creative with ministry opportunities in their community. It is important to note that NewGround (formerly Operation Manna) does not receive funding from our ministry share model. It has its own budget and designated funding stream. NewGround in partnership with Mosaic House, Trinity & Centrepointe CRCs, funds “The Vault Youth Drop-In Centre” in Londonderry.

May 12: Ministry Shares – Denominational -- This idea of a “crowd funding” is something that the Christian Reformed Church has known for a long time. Already in 1862, a need was recognized by congregations of the newly formed Christian Reformed Church in North America to share their resources in order to do more and greater ministry in whatever part of the world to which God called them. Over the years this program has had different names, but is now known as “ministry shares” to better reflect the collaboration and impact that these shared dollars have in making joint ministry possible. Through Denominational ministry shares, we are able to collectively: *Train and credential pastors to be Ministers of the Word *Help all of us take part in God's mission --in our congregations, communities, and in countries far away *Equip churches to be places that welcome and help people of all ages, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds to grow in faith and become leaders in their congregations and communities *Creatively use media to share the Gospel, disciple believers and strengthen the global church *Support chaplains as they minister to people in times of crisis *Assist congregations through programs for church revitalization, pastor renewal, ethnic leadership development, and so much more. It's an amazingly efficient system with low overhead costs that enables every CRC member to stretch their dollars further and participate in a variety of ministries more effectively and efficiently than any of us could do on our own.

May 19: ThereforeGo Ministries--Dynamic Youth Ministries -- previously known as Youth Unlimited is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization that focuses on assisting local congregations in youth ministry. Knowing that it is difficult to carry out youth ministry alone, this organization works to encourage, support, equip, and partner with youth workers, volunteers, churches and congregations across North America to challenge youth to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and transform this world through Him. ThereforeGo Ministries offers a variety of resources and has designed life-changing programs, leadership training, and assessment tools for youth and youth ministry workers. They also provide week-long mission (SERVE) trips for teens in junior high and high school. Participants on these trips learn and work to revitalize communities, show compassion for the marginalized, care for creation, provide recreation for children, and share the gospel. Your donation to ThereforeGo Ministries will be used to provide support and training for youth ministries and will also assist teens to join with God and a local church in the renewal of all things.

May 26: World Renew – DRS -- For over 40 years World Renew DRS has responded to natural disasters across North America. Its mission is *To show God’s love and bring hope to disaster-impacted communities in North America by restoring the homes and lives of those who are most vulnerable, *To help communities build their capacity to prepare for and recover from disaster, and, *To provide opportunities for Christians to honor the Lord by using their time, talents and financial resources in service to others. World Renew DRS carries out its mission through services at every stage of recovery, in partnership with other organizations and volunteers. For more information or to find out how you can be involved in this ministry, please see https://worldrenew.net/disaster-response-services.

 “Second Bag” (blue bag) Collection is for the church budget – We as a congregation have committed to a church budget.  The budget provides revenue used to pay for ministry staff, classical and denominational shares for the Christian Reformed denomination, Power Hour and Catechism curriculum, janitorial services and supplies, and the maintenance of the building.  Operational expenses such as printing weekly bulletins, electricity, telephone and internet services and the coffee you enjoy on Sunday are all included.  Let’s work together to contribute to the financial well being of our church.