Transcript:
Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to a special-edition series of the Kingdom Perspective.
What should we do in the face of the coronavirus pandemic?
We should be particularly concerned to care for the most vulnerable.
The New Testament writer James defines “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God” as caring for “orphans and widows in their distress.” “Orphans and widows” is a reference the most vulnerable in society; in the ancient world they were the “poster children” for the needy and marginalized. Thus, in times of great upheaval, we as Christians need to be most concerned to care for those that are most vulnerable—first, within our churches, and then also outside our churches. This may take some thought: who are the most physically/financially/socially vulnerable and how can I care for them, practically?
One most basic ways is through financial giving to your local church. Many churches have a benevolence or mercy fund from which they help the needy. You should contribute to this generously—above and beyond your regular giving to the church’s gospel ministry.
Now, James seems to suggest that those that have this “pure and undefiled religion” (i.e. James’s term for true understanding of the gospel) are particularly drawn to care for the neediest. Why? Because a genuine experience of the gospel brings us to a deep and true recognition of our own neediness before a holy God. We are spiritual paupers (sinners) in need of His mercy—and it is precisely His mercy that He has so freely and generously lavished on us in Jesus. Thus, experiencing His kindness makes us kind.
Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.
NOTE: If you wish to volunteer or know of needs in the community, please email lauren.groves@christredeemerchurch.org to be directed to a CRC point person. We also encourage you to continue to give regularly to support the work of the church. All the more in the face of growing needs in our community, we encourage you to give above and beyond your regular giving, by contributing to the church’s Benevolence Fund. The Benevolence Fund is used in two main ways – 1) to help those with material needs within our church, and 2) to help those with need in the broader Upper Valley Community.
For your convenience here are the links to giving online:
Regular Giving to CRC
The Benevolence Fund at CRC
You may also give by mailing your gifts to Christ Redeemer Church, PO Box 5523, Hanover, NH 03755.
To learn more about CRC’s charitable work and financial giving policy, please visit visit here.