March 2026: Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
A quiet hand when it’s needed most
Most months, our Benevolence Program looks beyond our walls. In March, we’re turning our focus inward — to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund — but not for the sake of a line item in a budget.
For the sake of people.
Pause for a moment and imagine where someone is in life when they walk into a church — perhaps one they’ve never attended — and ask for $20 for gas. Or help with their prescriptions. Or an unexpected repair bill. That step alone often carries more weight than the dollar amount. It usually means options have run thin. Pride has been swallowed. And hope is being tested.
We are deeply grateful for Neighbors Helping Neighbors and our ongoing commitment to support their vital work. NHN provides structured, sustained assistance with food, clothing and utilities, and we will continue to refer people there whenever appropriate.
But sometimes a need is immediate. A tank is empty today. A family has just experienced a fire. A mobile phone that is a family’s lifeline breaks. In those moments, Pastor Karen’s discretionary fund allows her — drawing on years of pastoral experience — to respond quickly, compassionately and without bureaucracy.
In Pastor Karen’s short time at ELC, she has quietly helped with gas, food, rent, and utilities. It has provided dignity in small but meaningful ways. This isn’t a new scenario; people often came to Pastor John for help as well, and he was able to tap into this fund to lend a hand.
Your March Benevolence gift equips our pastor to meet people in vulnerable moments with grace, discretion and love. Sometimes ministry looks like $20 and a listening ear.
We’ll be collecting donations for a fund that will help Pastor Karen meet those needs throughout March. You can contribute via:
- Mail: Send a check to ELC and note “Benevolence” in the memo
- Online: Visit the ELC website and click “Give”
- Digitally: Download the “GivePlus Church” mobile app, or text “Benevolence” to 608-400-0183 with the amount you wish to give.
On behalf of Benevolence,
Adam Mertz
