Message from ABCOPAD Treasurer, Caryl Casey, Do you know anyone who loves history? They love reading, hearing, looking at pictures of things and events that happened before they were born, in other countries, to different people, it is all exciting to them. One of my brothers, my son and one grandson, all love historical books and they watch shows on the History channel. For me, something historical has to be tied directly to someone or something that matters to me or I really don’t have all that much interest in an old battleship or a worn path. I can respect that something important may have happened but it doesn’t stir my heart or my interest unless I can truly relate to what occurred there. One piece of recent history though, never ceases to amaze and thrill me. At the end of each year, I add the amounts from the grants that were disbursed to the list that was started in 1995 when we gave out the first Release God’s Power grant. We have since added the Ministries of Christian Discipleship funds and just a few years ago, the Legacy funds. As of December 31, 2012, churches and organizations have received $832,585. Next to each number is the purpose of the grant. The list is inspiring and tells of the desire in our congregations across Pennsylvania and Delaware to share God’s love and minister to their communities in exciting new ways. Call or e-mail one of the Regional Pastors or any of the administrative offices for the guidelines for each fund and/or an application. Please be aware that the guidelines for each of the three funds, require that a church currently supports the Partners in Ministry offering as well as having submitted their Annual Church Report for 2012, this year. Available for this cycle: Congregational Legacy Grants - $26,250. Ministries of Christian Discipleship - $7,905. Release God’s Power - $5,170. Due to the funds available Release God’s Power and Ministries of Christian Discipleship grant requests should be limited to $1,000. Approved grants will be disbursed in May, following approval by the ABCOPAD Board. |