God is benevolent in His nature and this overflows to His people in His grace, generosity, patience, and love. He is unrelenting in His care for us, and we are called to do the same with others.
The Scriptures provide numerous examples of the church providing relief to individuals. These cover a spectrum of needs: medical, shelter, helps, finances, etc. God's people have always been proactive in the work of mercy, and so it is desirable to organize our works and resources to this end (Matthew 5:42, Luke 10:30-37, Acts 2:45, Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
The Scriptures provide numerous examples of the church providing relief to individuals. These cover a spectrum of needs: medical, shelter, helps, finances, etc. God's people have always been proactive in the work of mercy, and so it is desirable to organize our works and resources to this end (Matthew 5:42, Luke 10:30-37, Acts 2:45, Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
At Cross of Grace, we desire to reflect our God in our relationships and support in this way. We maintain a Benevolence Fund to assist members who may be experiencing financial hardship. Members experiencing a financial crisis due to sudden unemployment or other unforeseen circumstances may request assistance by completing the Cross of Grace Benevolence Application. Church members who become aware of situations where benevolence may be helpful may also bring the need to a pastor or community group leader, who will notify the benevolence committee.
Examples of situations considered include catastrophic loss due to natural events, loss of a spouse, medical crisis, and job loss. Generally, assistance will go towards such things as food, gas, utility bills, medical bills, car repairs, or housing. Assistance is intended to meet emergency situations and will typically be provided on a one-time basis or over a short duration. Applications are reviewed by the Benevolence Committee for consideration and if approved will be paid and recorded per Minnesota Law. In all circumstances, personal privacy will be respected. Financial counseling and other resources may also be recommended.
Members may make direct contributions to the Benevolence Fund by donating to the “Benevolence Fund” in Giving on Church Center or designating the Benevolence Fund in the memo section if writing a check.
Non-members are generally not eligible for support from this Fund. Exceptions may be made for individuals pursuing membership, newly saved, or otherwise in critical need. Benefit amounts will be limited and typically given via gift cards to merchants. Referrals to local resources will be provided.
To apply for a gift from the Benevolence Fund, please fill out this form.
Examples of situations considered include catastrophic loss due to natural events, loss of a spouse, medical crisis, and job loss. Generally, assistance will go towards such things as food, gas, utility bills, medical bills, car repairs, or housing. Assistance is intended to meet emergency situations and will typically be provided on a one-time basis or over a short duration. Applications are reviewed by the Benevolence Committee for consideration and if approved will be paid and recorded per Minnesota Law. In all circumstances, personal privacy will be respected. Financial counseling and other resources may also be recommended.
Members may make direct contributions to the Benevolence Fund by donating to the “Benevolence Fund” in Giving on Church Center or designating the Benevolence Fund in the memo section if writing a check.
Non-members are generally not eligible for support from this Fund. Exceptions may be made for individuals pursuing membership, newly saved, or otherwise in critical need. Benefit amounts will be limited and typically given via gift cards to merchants. Referrals to local resources will be provided.
To apply for a gift from the Benevolence Fund, please fill out this form.