The Daily Times

The Blount County Ecumenical Action Council (BCEAC) begins its new year with a focus on the work of Family Promise, support for homeless families, and other action-oriented ministries to alleviate poverty in our community.

On Tuesday, members and visitors will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Monte Vista Baptist Church in Maryville, to consider next steps in outreach ministries with the underprivileged and underserved in Blount County. Monte Vista is located at 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road. Lunch is $5, and newcomers are welcome.

Executive Director of Family Promise, Kathi Parkins, will meet with the group for the second time, to describe the particular needs of families who have been homeless and seek to become self supporting.

According to co-moderator, the Rev. Billy Newton, the Tuesday program will include a recommendation for churches to provide follow-up support for formerly homeless guests of Family Promise. “Family Promise now provides effective assistance to homeless families as a first step toward more stable housing and work opportunities, but there is a need for a longer period of support, as struggling families try to get back on their feet and make a living. We hope that churches will step forward for this kind of partnership ministry right here at home,” Newton said.

BCEAC includes individual members and congregational representation from over 20 churches and at least nine denominations in Blount County. The ecumenical organization has been instrumental in launching numerous outreach ministries, including Good Neighbors, The Community Food Connection and Family Promise. At the January meeting, the Rev. Dixie Lea Petrey and the Rev. Billy Newton were elected co-moderators for 2011.

For a schedule of meetings and membership information, contact Ginny West Case at 982-1273 or e-mail (bcecumenicalactioncouncil@gmail.com)

The purpose of the Blount County Ecumenical Action Council is to educate and encourage dialogue about issues in our community that can lead to faith-based action on behalf of the underprivileged and underserved. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at various hosting churches. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome.

You must be logged in to Facebook to comment. If you're not logged in to Facebook, a login window will open when you click "comment". Or you can log in now. You may need to refresh your page after logging in via that link.