This is how it sometimes happens to perfectly ordinary people like you and me… Someone loses a job. In this
economy, new jobs can be hard to come by. The jobless rate is currently around 10% and more and more people are being counted among the “long-term” unemployed. After not weeks, but months – and occasionally, years – of job searching, a family’s resources begin to run out. The income from unemployment insurance comes to an end. The savings go. The bills keep coming.

Perhaps there is no longer a source of health insurance for the family. Perhaps the family has broken down and
asked to borrow money from friends or family. According to The New York Times, more than half of those who are
unemployed have borrowed money since losing their jobs.

Perhaps there is not enough money to buy enough food to feed the entire family. Parents may start to go without a
meal or two, here or there. Some will overcome their sense of pride in order to seek help from a local food pantry,
although less than 25% of people who experience food insecurity ever do. Many families will have to figure out the
ins and outs of “food stamps” and federally funded school lunch programs for the first time…families who never
imagined in their wildest dreams that they’d be in that position.

With offers of credit drying up, with utility companies threatening to shut off electricity, with oil companies refusing
to deliver oil until they are paid, and with threats of foreclosure or eviction in hand, many more families in this
economy are having to make very difficult choices than 5 or 10 years ago. And they are having to ask difficult
questions…can I afford to drive to Worcester for a job interview, even if it is offered? What will I do when my car is
due for inspection and I can’t afford new brakes? How can I afford to take my dog or cat to the vet even though she
is injured? Or my son, with these lingering symptoms, to the doctor?

Many will be forced to reach out to state and municipal offices, food hotlines and fuel assistance programs for help
this winter. And some, as a truly last resort, will reach out to a church. Perhaps they will be affiliated with that
church…perhaps not. It’s hard to imagine which would be more difficult. But in any case, people will often reach
out to a church when they’ve tried every other avenue for getting help, but are still finding it impossible to keep their
heads above water.

More often than not, I imagine, they will be turned away. After all, the resources of churches are limited by the
ability of their members to support them; and their members, too, are struggling during these difficult economic
times. But sometimes those who, in desperation, seek help from a church, will find help.

Here in our church we have what is known as a “Minister’s Discretionary Fund,” which is used in precisely this type
of situation to help those who are in great need. Over the course of my 10 ½ years here, I have had the privilege of
being able to offer financial assistance to individuals and families in our community - both members and nonmembers of our church – who find themselves temporarily in great need. Sometimes that help has kept the lights on or paid the rent or mortgage for another month or two, long enough to keep the families afloat until the tide turned for them.

I understand that there are advocates of many worthy causes pleading with you for a year-end donation. National
and global organizations that house the homeless or feed the hungry, public radio and television stations, and so, so many others abound. And of course, we, here at this very church, would welcome your year-end contributions to
support our current operating budget. But if you could stretch your wallets just a bit wider this month to make a
much-needed contribution to the Minister’ Discretionary Fund, people in need right here in our community will be
able to benefit directly from your generosity. To make a contribution of any amount, please make your check out to
HUUC and write “Minister’s Discretionary Fund” on the memo line.

With abundant blessings and wishes for a safe, happy, healthy holiday season and New Year,

Rev Wendy

PS – If you or someone you know are in need of financial assistance, please be in touch with me.