Although the article and the photo haven’t appeared online yet, if you happen to have an Oak Ridger from Friday, December 20th be sure to check out the ORMA article and photo! Blessed to have such a great group of clergy, non-profit leaders, and FRIENDS with whom to share this calling of building a community.
Here’s a quick November note from Rory (1st Baptist) which has a letter from Mark (1st Methodist) embedded regarding our partner in caring for the homeless in Oak Ridge, TORCH:
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Hello ORMA,
I have only one announcement for us at the close of 2019. This is from Mark Flynn of First United Methodist Church. Mark's a pretty decent guy so it's worth reading! I hope you all have Happy Holidays and we'll pick back up again with ORMA on January 28th at Robertsville Baptist Church.
Dear Friends,
At their fundraising banquet a month or so ago, it was mentioned that TORCH now has a policy of placing all families with children who are homeless into hotel rooms until other arrangements can be made. I completely support this measure. However, it is my understanding from the TORCH leadership that it is costing them a great deal of money.
Like many of your faith communities, our congregation supports TORCH. I was hoping to capitalize on our support for that ministry to write an article for the Oak Ridger to make the community aware of the need and saying something along the lines of “5 faith communities in the Oak Ridge Ministerial Association financially support TORCH and its new policy. If you would like to ensure children without homes in Anderson County do not have to sleep in cars, please consider sending a financial donation to TORCH at....” Of course, I would love for the number of faith communities who support TORCH to be more than 5, but I do not know how many of us actually have sent them a financial contribution during 2019.
So, in order to accurately celebrate our combined support, I would appreciate it if you would send me a short email at revmarkrflynn-AT-gmail.com if your faith community or organization has financially contributed to TORCH this past year. You do not have to tell me how much or when - just that you did.
Thanks!
-Mark Flynn
That's all! Hoping to see you all at 1:00 PM on January 28th at Robertsville Baptist Church, 251 Robertsville Rd.
Peace,
Rory Naeve