Although many St. Michael members are aware of our Helping Hand Fund, some may not know much about it, its purpose or history. The Helping Hand Fund was started in 1979 to assist those in our congregation and community who may be experiencing short term financial needs as a way to point the way to our Lord, who supplies all of our needs. Those in the community who are un-churched receive a first hand experiential lesson in God’s provision and how this is likened to God’s grace, a free gift not because we deserve it, but because God is gracious and good. And those within our church have this safety net that, should hard times fall, their church family will help provide in a time of need.

Begun as non-budgeted, funds for this account come solely from gifts from the members of St. Michael. Over the course of the past ten years since records have been kept on these gifts, St. Michael has distributed more than $225,000 to assist with rent, electricity and gas bills to those in the Canton-Plymouth community. It is only used for “necessities” rather than phone bills, cable TV, or car or insurance payments. Many a family has been saved from eviction or having their utilities shut off because of the generosity of St. Michael members. As stewards of God’s gifts, restrictions on usage and frequency are in place to enable St. Michael to help as many in need as possible.

Please remember that the Helping Hand Fund is a tool that we use to give hope to those in the community who need a tangible sign that God loves them and has not forgotten their needs.

St. Michael’s food pantry assists the community both within and outside of our church family. The pantry is open during office hours, and judging by the frequency of usage, it is great blessing to the Plymouth-Canton community.

Please remember that the food pantry is a tool that we use to give hope to those in the community who need a tangible sign that God loves them and has not forgotten their needs.

In that light, we continue to collect food to distribute at Christmas for those within our church and community. If you are aware of a family who has fallen on “hard times” and could use a Christmas food basket, please call the church with the information. Also, as you are shopping for your own family’s needs, please remember those less fortunate and pick up a few extra items to share with our food pantry, placing it on the table outside the Koinonia Room. Thank you for your generosity.