Serving Christ Through Benevolence

In March of 2006, the Church Council commissioned a Benevolence Committee to oversee the distribution of $351,000, which was a “tithe of thanksgiving” for the land sale that raised over $3.5 million dollars.  That committee was temporarily suspended in 2007 until the new Lead Pastor was in place.  After the arrival of John Hogenson and a balanced budget in 2007, the Church Council has designated $141,000 for Benevolence in 2008, with the hope of increasing benevolent giving in the immediate years ahead.  We are delighted to announce the reinstatement of the Benevolence Committee to oversee the distribution of these benevolent gifts. 

To refresh your memories, mission opportunities to serve others with the love of God falls under two general categories at St. Andrew’s: “Outreach” and “Benevolence.” 

“Outreach" is mission work that involves the direct leadership of St. Andrew’s in a hands-on environment of performing God’s work, such as: Mission Jamaica, Vision Slovakia and Others First.

“Benevolence” is a designated percentage of the church budget donated to mission work outside of the existing outreach programs of St. Andrew’s.  Criteria for giving are established by the Benevolence Committee with the approval of the Church Council.  Past recipients include: Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf; Young Life; St. Paul Area Synod; Brydges Centre Children’s Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya; Mar Elias Educational Institutions in Ibillin, Israel; and Africa Jam in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Benevolence committee members are Jody Betlach,  Dean Cousineau, Deb Danielson, Chris Egge, Troy Kramer (Council Representative), Gayle Huseth, Tom Jacobson (Chair), Sue Sohrweide, John Straiton and Dan Varberg.

Applications and copies of the Giving Policy are available in the church office or by contacting the Benevolence Committee, Attn: Ronda Sowada.