Golden Cross A mission and ministry of the Western North Carolina Conference The United Methodist Church

Golden Cross
A mission and ministry of the Western North Carolina Conference The United Methodist Church

WHAT IS GOLDEN CROSS?
     Following the example of Jesus, the United Methodist Church is concerned with the whole person. As an expression of that concern, Golden Cross was established as a mission and ministry through which United Methodists can reach out with a caring financial grant to individuals or families who are burdened with overwhelming medical costs. It is the only ministry of the conference through which financial aid is given directly to individuals or families.
     With medical costs continuing to rise, many people find themselves in need of financial help, even after tapping all other sources available. This is where the Golden Cross comes in.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR HELP?
     Any United Methodist of this conference, lay or clergy, is eligible for a grant when the need is there. People do not hae to be destitute to receive help, and receiving insurance payments, Medicate, or Medicaid does not disqualify a person. Also, an "overwhelming" medical burden does not necessarily mean thousands of dollars of unpaid bills. For some, where income is limited, overwhelming medical costs may be only a few hundred dollars.
HOW DOES ONE APPLY FOR HELP FROM GOLDEN CROSS?
     Pastors and every church member should feel a responsibility to recognize when people are in need and to make them aware that help is available from Golden Cross. The pastor is a key person in processing the request. From his or her District Director of Golden Cross the pastor obtains a simple application form and with information supplied by the individual or family, files the application with the Conference Director of Golden Cross. All information is confidential.
     Upon approval of the application, a grant check is sent to the pastor, who, in turn, presents the check to the applicant on behalf of the Conference.

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT?
     The amount varies according to the need and the amount of money available.
FROM WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME?
     The Golden Cross ministry is supported by the Conference Outreach Apportionment and by gifts from churches, local church groups, and individuals.
     Churches are requested to observe Golden Cross Sunday as an opportunity to share and celebrate the ministry of Golden Cross and to receive an offering for this special ministry. Gifts are also welcomed any time of the year.
WHERE ARE GIFTS SENT?
     The Golden Cross Fund is managed through the Conference Treasurer's Office. Gifts should be sent to the Conference Treasurer through local churches and designated "Golden Corss". Gifts may also be sent directly to the Conference Treasurer at:
        The Golden Cross Fund
         WNCC Conference Treasurer
         P.O. Box 18005
         Charlotte, NC 28218
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOMED!
     As we share the abundance of good health and prosperity, we are inspired to help those who face overwhelming medical costs. Thank you letters from many who have received grants from Golden Cross remind us that this is a ministry of our church with a very human touch. Golden Cross is United Methodists caring about and sharing with one another. Nearly every year more than fifty families of our churches are touched by this wonderful ministry. A person in your own church could be a recipient when the need is there.
     Thank you for each and every person whose gifts enable this ministry to happen.

A Gayle Ford
Conference Golden Cross Dir.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact the Director of Golden Cross of your district or the Conference Director at 704-882-7640