For decades, the Pension Fund has gathered the 13th Check offering that is used to assist retired servants of the church who in many cases served smaller congregations who were not able to invest in the golden years of their pastors or those missionaries whose income was anything but great. Many others served for very small salaries. For them, pensions are inadequate to provide for a reasonable standard of living. The need is even greater than usual for many in this time of economic turmoil.
On Saturday, July 9 at the opening worship of General Assembly the 13th Check Video was premiered in conjunction with the offering. The Pension Fund took a different approach to this year’s 13th Check Video being inspired by two things: 1) being in our nation’s music capital and 2) the lyrics of one of Ray Boltz’s musical hits “Thank You.”. The combination resulted in a first-ever music video created to honor those who have spent their lives serving the church. The video was followed by President of the Pension Fund, Jim Hamlett, making a special ‘ask’ for 13th Check offering with live performance of the song “Thank You” performed by the musicians of the worship band at Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis. The result of the 13th Check offering was approximately $35,000 in gifts.
The Pension Fund would like to say “thank you” to the members of the Allisonville Christian Church Worship Band for their dedication and commitment to giving this song new life with countless rehearsals and many hours in the recording studio. Members include: Ryan Draper, Max Reinhardt, Kate Ayers, Chris Higgins and Matthew Tippel. Special Thanks to CMC Media Group for producing the video, Wes DeBoy Recording for producing the music, Kelsee Hankins and Mason Alexander for adding additional musical support, Central Christian Church for the use of their sanctuary, Ray Brown, Ruth Wallace and the entire Pension Fund Staff for being part of this incredible video.
The chorus of “Thank You” sums up what the 13th Check is all about:
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
By: Matthew Tippel
