THE BENEVOLENT FUND
From the earliest days of the Christian church, when Christians shared in the sacrament of Holy Communion, it has included an offering for those in need. In his writings around 150 AD, Justin Martyr describes Christians meeting together on the Lord’s Day to celebrate Holy Communion, and how afterwards the elements were taken out to the sick.
"and they that wished to do so give what they will, each after his choice. What is collected is deposited with the president, who gives aid to the orphans and widows and such as are in want by reason of sickness or other cause; and to those also who are in prison, and to strangers from abroad, in fact to all that are in need he is a protector "
In the Methodist Church we continue that tradition in our Communion Services, usually with a retiring collection as people leave. This benevolent fund is retained by the church and made available to the minister to distribute at his discretion in response to needs that he encounters in the people to whom he ministers.
From time to time the collection may be earmarked for special appeals, and these will be announced to the congregation beforehand.
We hope this explains the ‘mystery’ some people have felt about this periodic extra offering.
Reprinted, by kind permission from
"The Messenger" magazine of
The Drive Methodist Church, St Annes.