PURPOSE:
To facilitate the administration of our Biblical call (Deut 15:7,8 I John 3:16,17 and James 1:27) to assistance of those in need by this body of Christ: first to those in our local body, secondly to brothers and sisters in Christ outside of our body and then to the community at large. The Mercy Committee facilitates the ministry to those in need by:
• serving as a conduit to make needs known,
• assisting with the development of ministries to serve those in need,
• encouraging the networking of ministries to those in need and
• providing guidance and oversight to the disbursement of financial assistance
As we fulfill these duties, it is our expressed desire to empower the congregation to minister to each other whenever possible and to incorporate the Gospel into every aspect of our work as the greatest means of mercy.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

HOW WE HELP:
From the money collected through the Deacon’s Fund, relief is provided for those in financial crisis in keeping with our guidelines. In the case where there is long term need financial counseling is available to develop budgetary plans.
The MC sponsors a Saturday Auto Clinic in April and October at the EP Church garage. Volunteers complete oil changes (bring your own filter), general inspections and minor repairs for those in the EP Church family who need such assistance.
On the occasion where there is a request for physical help, i.e. moving a widow into an apartment, etc. after review/approval of the request, we will coordinate with other ministries to fulfill the need.
Using monies from the Deacon’s Fund, food coupons are purchased from local grocers to allow relief to those with pressing need. These are kept in the Church office and can be given by any deacon or member of the MC.

OUR VISION:
It is our hope that we can help the Church embrace the mandate given to us in Micah 6:8, "to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Currently as a team of eight members, it is essential that the body take up this call so that all of the Church can be ministered to.

As we begin to understand the Ministries and small groups in our congregation, it is inevitable that more needs will be exposed that will allow us to bring real life to the Gospel as we reach out beyond our Church. This was recently experienced as we contributed to the Backpack Project by paying for the Bibles that went into each one.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
As we consider the aspect of “doing justice” we have to look at our responsibility to be salt in this world and to help those that are in need as a result of social injustice.
• Prayerfully consider your gifts, talents and areas of interest and offer your service to those in need
• Give offerings above your regular tithe to the Deacon’s Fund
• Pray for our MC team and those in need.
• Give us suggestions on how we can improve this ministry.
• Be pro-active when you are exposed to a need.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A NEED:
1. Pray - Matt 7:11 “ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. If you have seen a need ask God how you should be involved since you are the one to whom it has been revealed.
2. Contact any deacon or a committee member.
3. Fill out an RFA (request for assistance) form (available in the Church office). If you need immediate attention on the request, call a member after filing the form.

HOW WE WORK:
The MC meets twice a month to prayerfully consider requests and consult our guidelines. We communicate in the interim via phone & email and mini-meetings as needed. One member is assigned to gather details and make an action recommendation to the MC. Decisions are then reviewed with the contact on the RFA. Disbursements of funds are processed through the Director of Church Operations.

The Mercy Committee members are: Bob Topp, Doug Rice, Lane & Sue McVae and current deacons – Jeff Hulting, Bill Case, Jim Taylor, Mike Riith, Glenn Woodruff.