God's Waiting Room

Local Church Budget

We can talk about being “on fire” as a good thing. But when flames and fire trucks appear, a church on fire is never good news! This is exactly what one of our North American churches experienced.

Once the fire was out and the immediate crisis over, the church members met to make plans for how to meet the emergency. They gave offering appeals for repairs. The work of restoration began at once.

But there was another special need. The Pathfinder club, with about 50 children wanted to attend the Camporee that year. At first, they asked for permission to raise funds from resources outside the church. The board granted permission. The young people began asking for donations from family and friends. They wrote letters to aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors. Little by little, the Pathfinder funds arrived.

The last Sabbath before the deadline for Camporee, the Pathfinder club still fell somewhat short of their goal. In spite of the focus on fire restoration, the pastor gave a special appeal for the Pathfinder club. The congregation responded, and the Pathfinders had the funds needed for the Camporee.

The Pathfinders refused to believe that it was impossible for them to raise the funds within months. They had faith God would bless. Their motto was Matthew 19:26. “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Today, let us remember that what seems impossible becomes possible when a church family works together to support the local church budget.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Leading a Grow Group helps you build community, get involved, and grow your faith alongside others who share your passion. Register to lead a Summer and/or Fall Grow Group today!

Dates to Keep in Mind:

• Summer Group Registration Deadline: May 18, 2021
• Summer Session: June 6 – July 31, 2021
• Fall Group Registration Deadline: August 21, 2021
• Fall Leader Orientation: September 19, 2021
• Fall Session: September 19 – December 11, 2021

Lead a Grow Group

If you earned $57,000 or less you can have your 2020 income tax prepared for free by IRS certified volunteers at Andrews University. This is a drop-off only site with limited space. Please call 269-471-6538 Thursday, Friday or Sunday 12:30 – 5:00 PM (don’t leave a message) or email Cidfreetax@gmail.com to schedule an appointment to drop off your documents. Appointments can be made for any Sunday afternoon March 21 – April 11 (12:30 – 4:30 PM). Drop-off site will be at Andrews University, Buller Hall, room 203 by appointment only.

Will Prepare 

• Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2)
• Interest Income (Form 1099-INT)
• Dividends Received (Form 1099-DIV)
• State Tax Refunds (Form 1099-G)
• Unemployment Benefits (Form 1099-G)
• IRA Distributions (Form 1099-R)
• Pension Income (Forms 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA-1099) 
• Social Security Benefits (Form SSA-1099) (RRB-1099)
• Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
• Education Credits (Form 1098-T)
• Child Tax Credit
• Earned Income Credit
• Health Insurance Statements (Forms 1095-A, B or C)

What to Bring 

• For married filing joint, both spouses must be present 
• Photo identification for you and your spouse (if filing joint return) 
• Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documents for you, your spouse, and dependents 
• Birth dates for you, spouse, and dependents 
• A copy of last year’s tax return 
• All Forms W-2, 1098, and 1099 Form 1095-A (Marketplace Health Insurance) 
• Information for other income 
• Information for all deductions/credits 
• Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number 
• For direct deposit of refund, proof of account