If you’re like many of us, the recently approved stimulus program that will send $1400 checks to many Americans, presents you with a conundrum: “I don’t really approve of the government spending this kind of money, and/or I don’t really need it!” If the pandemic has hit you hard (loss of income, health expenses, etc.), then you probably DO need the stimulus check. But if not, if you’ve kept your job (or retirement) and the pandemic hasn’t really affected you financially, here are some ideas of how you can bless others. After all, you can’t just send it back to the government; they’ll just spend it on something else!

For those who wish, here are some ways that you can give a portion (or the whole) of your stimulus checks to bless others:

1.  Give it to our “Assistance Fund” that is used to help people locally with needs related to transportation, housing, food and clothing. Sometimes we get request for help with utilities bills or rent, too. Be sure to designate your gift to “Assistance Fund.” This fund is administered confidentially by the pastor.
2.  Give it to help support our new ministries with children and youth: Acorns to Oaks, and Knights of Agon. Designate your gift for “Family Ministries.”
3.  Give it to support the “Next Methodist Fund” of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. This fund has been set up to help fund the development of the new Evangelical/Traditionalist Methodist denomination that will emerge following the passage of the Protocol of Separation at the next General Conference of the UMC. Make this contribution directly to the WCA by going to: The Next Methodism Fund – Wesleyan Covenant Association
4.  Give it as a part of our UMCOR Sunday offering this past Sunday. The United Methodist Committee On Relief is the disaster relief arm of our denomination, and the UMCOR Sunday offering goes to support the administration of UMCOR. Designate your gift “UMCOR Sunday”.

These are just some ideas. You may have others. You may also want to consider giving to several funds/places. Be sure to pray and ask God what you should do with the money!

Be blessed!