Good News: What giving to the Rector's Discretionary Fund can do
January 15, 2021
Over the last year, there has been an increase in requests for general assistance from the church due to the pandemic. St. Martin's has community engagement giving priorities which are budgeted, and core ministries that make requests for specific projects. Sometimes assistance requests arise which don't easily fit within those areas, or their budgeted funds. Into this gap comes the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.
The Rector's Discretionary Fund gives the clergy a pool of funds to pull from when these un-anticipated requests arise. These requests may be for utilities, food, clothing, education, car repairs, or any number of other needs. Here is a thank you note received this week related to a discretionary fund disbursement:
"Thank you so much for your donation of $600 to a client of the UUH Outreach Program*. The money you donated has been used to help a very low income person, living in 19119, to be able to purchase a new refrigerator. It is scheduled for delivery on Friday, [January 15, 2021]. In speaking with our client she asked me to express her profound appreciation to you for your kindness and generosity."
Thanks to the generosity of parishioners like you, we were able to help a neighbor keep fresh food at home. St. Martin's annual budget does not include the Rector's Discretionary fund, as it as a separate account. You may donate to the Rector's Discretionary Fund at any time, in addition to your regular pledged gifts supporting our ongoing mission and ministry. Select the Discretionary Fund from the funds drop down using our online giving system. First Sunday open-plate (general giving; not pledged giving) offerings also go to this fund. If you're interested in learning more about the Discretionary Fund, contact the Rev. Jarrett Kerbel.
*UUH Outreach serves those who are 60 years and older and living in Germantown, Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, West Oak Lane and part of East Falls. Zip codes served are 19118, 19119, 19138, 19144, 19150; west of Broad Street in 19126 and 19141; and 19129 in East Falls. Its services include Health Promotion, Social Work, Client Assistance Fund, and Special Projects. Learn more on their website.
Rector (215) 247-7466 ext. 101 The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel (he/him) was educated at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He was ordained Priest in 1995 in Danville, Pennsylvania where he worked as a Hospital Chaplain and a Head Start teacher. Pastoral positions followed at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor, Illinois, St. Paul and the Redeemer in Chicago, and then Rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Park Ridge, Illinois. After following his wife, the Rev. Dr. Alison Boden, to her new position in Princeton, New Jersey, he was called to be the Executive Director of the Crisis Ministry of Mercer County. The largest food pantry and the gateway agency for Homelessness Prevention services in Mercer County, the Crisis Ministry also runs a Welfare to Work program and an innovative free farmers market. Jarrett became Rector of St. Martin’s in February 2011. He formerly served as the co-chair of Philadelphians Organized to Witness Empower and Rebuild (POWER). Jarrett serves as Dean of the Wissahickon Deanery and is an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross. He is an Adjunct Professor at Princeton Theological Seminary where he co-teaches a regular class on Faith Based Community Organizing, Theology and Practice. Jarrett has been published in Sojourners, the Huffington Post, Yours the Power, and the Journal of Public Theology. He is the father of two children, Timothy and Martha.The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel
Designated giving provides an opportunity to make a memorial gift in the memory of a loved one who has died or to celebrate a life event like a baptism, wedding, graduation, or promotion through a one-time contribution.Special Gift Opportunities
Tags: Generosity and Community / Give / Special Gift Opportunities / COVID-19 Response
