Deacon Council Distributes Outreach Funds

The budget of the Diocese of Fond du Lac includes a line for outreach beyond the structures of the diocese. Distribution of these funds is determined by the diocesan Deacon Council. It discerns where funds go after doing homework of where there is need.

Typically $8,000 to $10,000 in a year, the 2021 distribution grew to over $36,000 when the Executive Council determined to tithe on the proceeds of a bequest. Tithing on such a gift has been a standard operating procedure in the past. Tithing has also been practiced when church property has been sold. 

"We try to be intentional in giving to those in need when we receive the blessing of such gifts," Bishop Matt noted. "It is is a tangible way to give support beyond our diocese as a sign of our gratefulness."

The Deacon Council met twice to decide recipients. Distribution was delayed until March, after the full bequest had been received. Recipients were the Mandolin Foundation in Green Bay (mandolinfoundationllc.com), Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Oshkosh Chapter (shpbeds.org), The Anglican Diocese of Masvingo (masvingo.anglican.org), Episcopal Relief and Development (episcopalrelief.org) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/). Members of the diocese are encouraged to visit their websites and learn of the work each is doing.

Since 2004, the Diocese has donated nearly $200,000 through its Outreach Fund agencies, programs and opportunities. Gifts have been made locally and around the world, all beyond diocesan structures with the intent to give outside of ourselves to the greater glory of God.