Compassion in Action: CtK Covid Relief Fund

Written by Pastor Peter, Lead Pastor

This past week, several dedicated volunteers (with a little help from a few staff members) completed a second round of calling everyone in our membership directory. They noted a few numbers that needed updating, left quite a few voice mails, and had a number of good and wide-ranging conversations with folks from Christ the King—maybe some of you! In most instances, both the callers and the called appreciate the connection that was made between them as fellow members of CtK.

More than on the first go-round, however, they also discovered that there are folks right here at CtK whose lives have been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus, and more specifically by the economic crisis which this global pandemic has brought on. Fellow members among us have lost jobs and income, have faced mounting bills and threats of eviction, or have not been able to secure childcare in order to continue their “essential” jobs. These neighbors of ours are in great need because of the situation our world is currently in.

At the same time, callers also discovered a whole group of CtK folks who find themselves moved by the stories of hardship they have heard and have offered to “give a little extra,” were CtK to set up some sort of emergency fund. At least a few of them even offered up all or part of the stimulus check they received from the federal government, noting that there must be others who need the help more than they do. They were both moved by the immediacy of the need and the depth of connection felt between members of the same congregation.

For that reason, we are setting up a “CtK Covid Relief Fund,” to be used exclusively for members of our faith community who are experiencing difficulties in this time of pandemic and shut-down. While we would continue to work with community partners and make use of existing benevolences such as the “Good Samaritan Fund” for responding to needs in the larger community, this fund would be exclusively funded by special gifts by members over and above their regular pledged offerings and would be available for those within CtK who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Many of us might be tempted to think that our resources are too meager, our gifts too few,  or our ability to meet these neighbor’s need too limited. But Jesus shows us in today’s gospel (the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish) how he can multiply what we have to offer. He shows us how what we have is not only enough, it is more than enough. That with Christ’s help we, too, can take next-to-nothing and make it into something that feeds and heals and protects and provides—for a multitude, with a whole lot leftover as well.

Let us put our compassion into action, church!
 
Pastor Peter
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To donate to the CtK COVID Relief Fund, please indicate “Covid Relief” in the memo portion of your check or electronic gift.