Many churches have monthly communion offerings, often as an opportunity for individuals to support their local church’s benevolence programs. Each year churches are encouraged to designate their December communion offerings to the Convention office. These funds are then used to offer supplemental support in the form of a monetary gift to numerous disabled or retired Ministers (or to the spouses of deceased pastors) who are facing particular financial needs, often because of limited pension provisions. These monies are also used throughout the year to provide emergency financial assistance to Ministers and their families.