Clergy eyes fuel co-op, more

As powerhouse financial institutions collapsed this week in New York under the weight of bad debt in a worsening economy, local clergy met Tuesday morning in Houlton with optimism on ways to assist residents in need. Pastor Rick Carver of the County Road Baptist Church in New Limerick began the meeting saying they were seeking an “organized response to what could be a real crisis” regarding home heating in the area this winter.
    Much of the discussion focused on establishing a possible local church fuel cooperative that would seek a matching grant next year from the Cecil B. Day Foundation. By working through the Salvation Army, the churches would be able to present an organized, ongoing system to meet the Foundation’s requirements and implement a cooperative. The expected savings could then be used for social ministries.
With a working title of the “Evangelical Ministers’ Alliance,” (EMA) the group also discussed the need to identify people in the community who may not be aware of resources or who are too embarrassed to request them. Additionally, Captain Steven H. Pearl of the Salvation Army discussed the detailed in-house requirements to assure accountability that clergy agree is necessary for such an undertaking.
As the discussion continued, the group reinforced the real opportunity to work together through a unique ministry of “God’s work.” Although fewer than 20 congregations were represented at the meeting, Pastor Randall Burns says the alliance “is not an exclusive venture and the doors are open wide to any church as they work to serve and honor the Lord.”
Clergy discuss fuel co-op
Pastor Marilyn Rodin of the Hodgdon Methodist Church brought a smile to the group when she drew a comparison to the well-known V-8 beverage commercials and duplicated the familiar open-hand forehead tap with: “God is saying you could have worked together.”
In response to Rev. Naomi Sam-Kpakra, Pastor Carver said he would be willing to speak to her congregation at the Houlton United Methodist Church and any others about the alliance and the potential for a co-op.
For those who heat with wood, Dale Flewelling of Empowering Life said local contractors have already donated wood for heating that will be distributed through the Salvation Army. However, he is requesting volunteers for splitting and preparing the wood which will be cut on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. at 144 Military Street. The meeting closed as it had opened — with a prayer.
Anyone interested in the EMA or cutting wood can contact Pastor Burns at Military Street Baptist Church (532-2783) or Pastor Carver at County Road Baptist Church (532-3381).