MINISTRIES OF MERCY

Purpose Statement:

By His grace, this ministry oversees a number of existing ministries here at Grace Evangelical Free Church that reach out to people who are in a crises or challenging circumstance, and extend mercy and compassion. This is accomplished by assessing needs; offering help for an immediate crises, and if necessary, work together to find short or long term solutions for challenging circumstances.

Our Core Values:

The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:10 that the Church is God's equipping place. It's intentional in its shepherding approach to equipping (teaching, training, coaching, releasing) and encouraging sustainable personal growth.

In the parable of the "Good Samaritan", it is Jesus who brings us to the next level; Application. "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" The expert of the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise" -Luke 10:25-37

Tim Keller writes; "It is not enough to know ones duty...This compassion was full-bodied, leading him (the Samaritan) to meet a variety of needs. This compassion provided friendship, emergency medical treatment, transportation, a hefty financial subsidy, and even a follow up visit." (Ministries of Mercy, Tom Keller, Pp 1)

How Do We Help?

We at Grace Community E. Free Church joyfully acknowledge that all help and support offered to someone undergoing a hardship is from Jesus Christ. Change comes from total dependence on Him alone. Our work with families/individuals is temporary in nature. Our objective is to see the hardship change over time or until our assistance is no longer needed. We hope that everyone who experiences God's Mercy through this ministry will grow closer to the Lord in their daily life; that those who do not know Christ as their Savior, will seek him, and ask for spiritual guidance from our Pastoral staff.

Church members, Regular Attendees, and Local Community Residents in a challenging circumstance can qualify to receive help in a variety of ways:

Grace Food Pantry: Pre-bagged groceries and veggies (seasonal) are made available through our church families
Cooks Corner: A collaborative effort involving the Food Ministries and Women's Ministries. "Home Cooked" meals are pre-cooked and made ready for families with special circumstances, to "heat & serve" a nutritious meal. (NEW)
Alternative Fuel: Firewood; As supply lasts, seasoned hardwood, split, and ready to burn is made available to families in need of wood, throughout the winter, at no cost.
Senior Care: Volunteers provide transportation to shut inns
Community Resource Center: Guidance is provided to information for local support services/organizations
Intercessary Prayer, Spiritual guidance, and accountability
Community Giving Tree: Christmas gifts of encouragement to the Elderly, Widows, Special Circumstances (seasonal only)
"Toys for Children" also part of the Community Giving Tree ministry

Please call our Pastoral Assistant Harry Bafundi for details (603) 363-4277, (ext) or email hbafundi@gracefreechurch.org

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

In James 2:13 we read "Mercy triumphs over Judgment". Four simple words, that best describes our Heavenly Father's compassion freely given to me and to you. To this we would have to add kindness, patience, and forgiveness to provide a clearer portrait to the unsaved, and perhaps those in challenging circumstances.

Mercy is a gift He gives to us freely, a gift to be freely passed along. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36)

We encourage you to prayerfully consider becoming part of this outreach ministry and use one of your gifts to assist a church family, or a stranger who may be in a challenging circumstance. To learn more about getting involved in any one of our service ministries listed below or how you can receive assistance, please visit us on our website http://www.gracefreechurch.org/mercy.html

If you are attending our Church and you have an interest in serving in this ministry, please download this document or locate this form in our lobby, circle your area(s) of interest, fill out your name (where provided for), and place it in Harry Bafundi's mail box (# 1). Then you will be contacted by one of our ministry coordinators.

We praise God for your interest in sharing your gifts with a family in challenging circumstances, and glorifying Christ.

"Mercy Ministries" that are in need of Volunteers

Outreach Prayer Warriors: As part of our existing Prayer Warrior team, Your Intercessory Prayer focus will be the confidential prayer needs/requests for this ministry
Grace Food Pantry: Several opportunities to serve on a team exist (Inventory; Baggers; Pick Up/Delivery)
Cook's Corner: A collaborative effort involving the Food Ministries and Women's Ministries. "Home Cooked" meals are pre-cooked and made ready for families with special circumstances, to "heat & serve" a nutritious meal. (NEW)
Shepherding Team: be a "Refresher" (Timothy 1:6) this team is committed to call, visit, write to our church family shut inns & Seniors
Community Resource Center: "Liaison" Team for coordinating, listing, and making known/available information on local support organizations (i.e. Electricity Assistance; Rental Assistance;Food; Fuel: Oil, Kerosene, Wood pellets, Coal etc.)
Seniors Care: This is our Transportation Team providing rides for our shut inns when no other opportunity is available
Alternative Fuels: Teams meet to fellowship, cut, split, and stack firewood donated by our Church Family. As supply last, seasoned firewood is made available to families in need of wood, throughout the winter, at no cost.
Community Giving Tree: Seasonal Team focused on providing Christmas gifts of encouragement for the Elderly, Widows, and Special Circumstances.
Toys for Children: This is an extension of the Community Giving Tree ministry and focuses on the encouragement of the youth in families of special circumstances
"Dine Eight" : Coordination Team overseeing the putting together of informal groups of 4-8, for the opportunity to meet others, fellowship together, and eat a great home cooked meal (dessert too!)
Community Kitchen (Keene)
Habitat for Humanity (Call Office Direct for updates on area projects and locations 357-8474)

How Can I Get Involved?

If you would like to learn more about the "Mercy Ministry" and discuss how you may volunteer, contact Harry Bafundi.