Mercy Ministry Funds Policy

The purpose of this document is to establish an orderly method of distributing monies allocated for mercy ministry. Changes to the document are subject to the approval of the Session.

Purpose of Mercy Ministry Funds
The purpose of CPC’s mercy ministry funds shall be to fulfill the call on the church to provide for the poor, the needy, and the distressed, primarily those within or closely connected to the congregation. In addition, funds may be used to assist individuals and families who have expressed a legitimate need for assistance. Each year, budgeted funds for mercy ministry must be depleted before funds from the Mercy Ministry Endowment are given. Those not connected to CPC, who contact the church seeking assistance, may be referred to ACTS.

Administrators of Mercy Ministry Funds
The Deacons, authorized by the Session, shall administer these funds.

Qualifications for Requests
Requests from individuals for funds ordinarily shall be for one of the following:
• An emergency (ordinarily a one-time disbursement).
• A need due to a temporary crisis, such as loss of job, major uninsured medical expenses, etc.
• Any need which, in the view of the Deacons, falls within the purpose of the mercy ministry funds.

Documentation of Requests
A secured file of supporting documents shall be maintained by the deacons. This information is confidential and shall be open to review only by the Deacons, the Session, and the Treasurer. A Mercy Ministry Request Form shall be completed for every request, regardless of origin. Files are to be destroyed after five years from date of disbursement.

Authorized Disbursements of Mercy Ministry Funds
The Pastor will not be involved in disbursing these funds, but will refer those requesting assistance to the Deacons. Requests for aid of $100 or less must be approved by at least two deacons. Requests for aid between $100 and $500 must be approved by at least four deacons. Requests exceeding $500 must be approved by the entire board of deacons. Ordinarily, funds shall not be approved for the same individual or household more than twice in any twelve-month period. The deacons may hand over a request to the Session for a decision, when doing so seems prudent. If a deacon requests financial assistance from mercy ministry funds, the decision will be handed over to the session.

Writing Checks
The Treasurer shall issue checks only upon receipt of a completed Check Request Form (signed by two deacons), which should be accompanied by a copy of the completed Mercy Ministry Request Form. Under normal circumstance, checks shall be made payable only to bona fide creditors of people in need and not to individuals.

Reporting
The Deacons shall provide a report to the Session every three months. The report shall include line item disbursements, a month-end closing balance, and a general explanation for the purpose of the disbursement.