Special Tithes Update

In 2019 Spring Garden Church received a sizable bequest gift. In response to this generous act of worship, the church committed to tithe 10% ($42,000) of the total amount. In May of 2021, a committee was formed. Members included Abby Davidson, Alice Ng Bouwma, Brad Sider, Esther Penner and Kaitlyn Ranasinghe. We met several times between June and Septmeber to discuss and prayerfully discern how these funds should be distributed. The Special Tithes Committee would like to extend a special thank you to all those who submitted ideas and applications, as well as those who connected us with different organizations. It was a blessing to learn about the various ministries of these organizations and to connect with their staff. The committee recently submitted a proposal to the Deacons and it was approved. You can read about the organizations/recipients of the funds below. In addition to aligning with Spring Garden’s values, one of the main reasons we chose the organizations listed below was because they offer opportunity for further relational engagement. We are looking forward to sharing more about these ministries with you in the coming months.

This is a young non-profit agency that offers housing, community and a fresh start for people within the criminal justice system who were recently released from prison. Volunteer opportunities for SGC members include social activities (BBQs) and practical assistance to participants.

Funding will help subsidize rent to accommodate two individuals in Toronto for a year and contribute to the salary of a staff person.

The goal of this organization is to make food accessible to marginalized communities in the Scarborough area. They run a food pantry and garden, offer fresh meals and deliver groceries to those in need. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, new volunteers from our church community will be welcomed and encouraged.

Funding will go towards paying for food, equipment, chef’s salary and administration costs.

This is a new ministry in Marikina City, in the Philippines. The goal is to open new house churches for poor communities where none currently exist. Church leaders will be trained, residents discipled, social projects delivered and children’s programming initiated. SGC members could participate through clothing donations, short-term mission trips, child / youth sponsorships, etc.

This funding will go toward for a local pastor’s salary, four postsecondary scholars’ tuition and children’s programming costs.

This organization aims to improve the lives of individuals involved in the sex trade and, if possible, help workers and trafficked people find a way out of the industry. The staff provides outreach, case management and spiritual care for participants. Interaction with SGC could include doing presentations at our church for education and awareness and welcoming volunteers.