Pastors’ Discretionary Fund
The current shutdown of the Federal Government is affecting our nation and our own community in many different ways, and we lament the distress and uncertainty this shutdown places on our neighbors.
It was reported this week by the Virginia Department of Social Services that “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will lapse starting November 1, 2025 if the Federal Government shutdown is not resolved by October 28, 2025.” SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budgets, allowing them to afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
The ministry of feeding hungry people was essential to the way of Jesus, and ensuring that those in need have food has been a calling of the church since our earliest days. In light of the potential for hunger-related needs within our own communities, we want to ensure that Muhlenberg members are aware of the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund.
Embracing the spirit of generosity proclaimed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund provides confidential financial support to people in need. Through the years, this confidential care has served members of our congregation as well as those in the wider community, under the condition of anonymity.
We often support and rely on our ministry partners like People Helping People, Patchwork Pantry, and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to meet systemic needs in our community, but we want to ensure that our members know this is a resource that is available to you. Please come speak to us, email us, or call the church office if you have a financial need or any questions about what support is possible.
If you find that you are in a position to share resources during this season, we encourage you to continue to support our community partners named above, or make a gift to the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund on our website.
In Christ,
Pastor Lauren & Pastor Alex