Recently, our church decided to form a “Mission Committee,” a group of people that are focused on raising interest and participation in various projects or “missions” intended to help those in need, around our neighborhood, and around the world.
To introduce the concept of that committee, and explain a little bit about where the idea came from, EUMC’s Judy Bragg wrote the following letter:
“In these difficult financial times, many more people are finding they need to use the services of the food pantry (Loaves and Fishes) in Ellsworth. This is supported by the Ellsworth Ministerial Alliance, of which our church is a part.
“To support our obligation, we are asking each family to make a small donation of food each week. We could then donate one or two bags of food to the Loaves and Fishes each month. Financial donations are also accepted; there is a collection jar at the back of the sanctuary for this purpose.
“Our church family was very generous in providing dinners for families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as giving generous Christmas presents to a deserving family. We know the Ellsworth United Methodist Church family will continue to support the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in the same way, as people are hungry every day of the year.
“Pastor Susan has a small ‘Discretionary Fund’ to use for family needs that fall outside of what social services agencies provide. This fund is provided by each of us through our donation in the basket during Communion services [once a month]. It needs to be supplied regularly, as it has been used a few times this winter.
“Families who have needs are channeled through the Ellsworth City Hall to an employee who deals with eligibility for various services, and helps the clients with food, housing, etc. needs and procedures to follow to obtain these services.
“We have also discovered these services do not meet all needs. For example, Food Stamps do not allow for such purchases as shampoo, toothpaste, cleaning items, personal care items, etc.
“If we could all contribute to build a collection of supplies, they would be available for the Pastor to distribute as she sees fit. In the interest of helping those who have less than we do, we are asking people to contribute items on the designated Sundays as follows:
Feb 1 – Toilet paper
Feb 8 – Hand/bath soap
Feb 15 – Shampoo/conditioner
Feb 21 – Disposable razors
Feb 28 – Personal care items
Mar 1 – Paper towels
Mar 8 – Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Mar 15 – Laundry detergent
Mar 21 – Dishcloths, towels, sponges
Mar 28 – Cleaning supplies
“Many of us take these basics for granted and do not realize how blessed we are compared to those who are truly needy. Let us follow John Wesley’s motto – “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can.”
God bless,
The Mission Committee
Ellsworth United Methodist Church
Note: The Mission Committee is looking for volunteers to be on the Committee itself, as well as help coordinate activities. Contact Judy Bragg at jubobragg@verizon.net or Pastor Susan Yaruta-Young at young@midmaine.com if interested.
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