The news media seems to agree that we are currently going
through the worst economic times since the Great Depression of the
1930s. I have studied that period in history. I have heard stories
from my grandmother about her experiences and I have traveled with
the Joads across the west in John Steinbeck’s epic novel of life in
the Great Depression,
”
The Grapes of Wrath.
”
The news media seems to agree that we are currently going through the worst economic times since the Great Depression of the 1930s. I have studied that period in history. I have heard stories from my grandmother about her experiences and I have traveled with the Joads across the west in John Steinbeck’s epic novel of life in the Great Depression, “The Grapes of Wrath.”
The new Obama administration has plans to begin economic stimulus actions to bring back prosperity, but this will probably be a slow process. In the meantime, many churches are asking themselves what they can do to ease suffering now.
South County has long had church-sponsored programs to help the needy, such as St. Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy and Reach Out in Morgan Hill. But recently Gilroy’s South County Community Church, 8095 Kelton Drive, has decided to establish a new ministry to help meet community needs.
More than two months ago church leaders were alerted to the magnitude of current financial problems by some longtime members. Unemployed and facing foreclosure on their homes and eviction, these families began asking if there were anything the church could do to help their situation.
South Valley’s response is the Beacon of Hope Ministry, a multi-pronged effort to help residents by harnessing resources within the congregation. The program has eight goals:
– Establish a support community for people impacted by the economic downturn: They will come together to avoid feelings of isolation, express their needs and develop solutions.
– Establish limited financial assistance: The church has long had alms and benevolence funds to aid the needy in emergencies, but they are seeking additional resources for this purpose.
– Establish a housing assistance network: People with extra rooms in their homes are renting them to people who can no longer afford to live on their own, helping both.
– Establish an employment support system: They are developing a network to connect employment opportunities with job-seekers. Seminars focusing on resume-writing, interview skills and job-searching are being prepared.
– Provide spiritual support: Participants may meet together for prayer groups, worship services and fellowship opportunities.
n Provide emotional support: Counselors are being recruited to support those suffering grief from job loss, fear, anxiety and marital conflict caused by reduced family finances.
– Provide food support: Refer people to existing resources in the community where they can get groceries and free meals.
– Provide financial management education and training: On Dec. 17 the church hosted banking professionals at a workshop concerning payment challenges, credit concerns and foreclosure mitigation. The next seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24. The topic will be loan modification and foreclosure avoidance. They will soon be offering Financial Peace University, a series of classes by money expert Dave Ramsey about getting out of debt and achieving financial security.
Much of the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth dealt with helping the poor, oppressed and sick of his day. Tere Johnson, executive administrative pastor at SVCC, promises that this new ministry is not a “bait and switch.” Rather, “It is about the church’s sincere desire to help struggling members of the community.”
Mark Turner, associate pastor for Outreach, invites anyone who has needs to get more information by calling the church at (408) 848-2363 or checking www.svccgilroy.com.
