For I was Hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. – Matthew 25:35
In 1967, a small group of Christians including Catholic and Protestant, lay and clergy, began meeting together to share with one another and to discover what kind of witness Christians were called to make in the local community. In the beginning, the Assembly was essentially a forum for sharing of common faith and an appreciation of the different expressions of faith.
Individually, churches did not have sufficient resources to make significant responses to some needs, but collectively there were some exciting possibilities. Today, the Assembly comprises 25 area member churches and an additional 35 churches who provide support for our mission. We are not government funded nor a United Way agency. Funds for this ministry are provided by churches, foundations, schools, businesses, groups and individuals in our community. The ministry continues, in Christ’s love, to help those in need through the generosity of others.
The Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches, also known as Love Chapel, is a Christ-centered, faith based outreach ministry. Many members and participating churches, together with the community at large, support those with emergency needs through Love Chapel. Love Chapel is a year-round support effort that demonstrates to the world that we are brothers and sisters called together by God in both witness and work.
Projects include:
- Food pantry
- Hot meal sites
- Housing assistance
- Financial assistance
- Prescription assistance
- Case management