The Strong United Methodist Church, pictured here last month, serves as a hub for community support and outreach, led by the Women’s Group in their mission to assist local residents with aid and compassion in Strong. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

STRONG — For more than a century, the Women’s Group of the Strong United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of community service, providing aid to residents in need. Led by President Gayle Donahue, the group continues its mission to assist with heating, food and other essential needs, as well as offering scholarships and supporting families through difficult times.

“What we do is, we provide support for the community with our events,” Donahue said in a recent phone interview. “We give scholarships to seniors. We provide heating assistance like firewood and oil. We even paid off a water bill for someone. If we see a need, we fill it.”

Last month, the group helped organize the church’s Christmas fair and bake sale. Visitors explored handmade crafts, toys, art, crocheted items and baked goods, with proceeds benefiting community assistance programs.

 Tradition
The Strong United Methodist Church is a small-town rural Maine church with a rich history and strong ties to the community. “We are blessed with small-town values and invite you to come worship with us,” reads the church’s mission statement. With faith and Bible-based ministry, the church embraces a community-minded approach, “opening our hearts, our minds, and our doors to God’s love for us all.”

Among its many efforts to support residents is the Women’s Group organization of “comfort luncheons” following funerals, an effort that brings the community together during times of loss.

“What we do is, after a funeral, if the family wants to have a gathering, the Women’s Group gets together with the congregation and we supply food,” Donahue explained. “We provide sandwiches, chips, pickles, home goods and baked goods. It’s just a time for the family to get together, reminisce and support each other. We just call it a comfort luncheon.”

These luncheons are open to all, regardless of whether the family attends the church regularly. “It’s about giving families a moment of peace and connection after a loss,” Donahue said. “We’re there to help however we can.”

The group also maintains a prayer chain, providing spiritual support to the wider community. “We have a prayer chain,” Donahue said. “And a lot of people will ask to put a family member on the prayer chain even if they don’t go to the church. People call it their church even if they don’t attend regularly. We are always welcoming everybody.”

Collaborative
The group also collaborates with the United Methodist Economic Ministry [UMEM] in Salem. “We collect supplies for them and take them over,” Donahue said. “They give us a list of what they are in need of, and the congregation tries to supply it.”

According to UMEM’s website, the ministry partners with rural communities in western Maine to promote sustainability through services like thrift shops, food cupboards and emergency assistance. Since its inception in 1969, UMEM has aimed to “clothe the naked, feed the hungry and care for the homeless,” while fostering self-sufficiency among residents.

In addition to its partnership with UMEM, the Strong United Methodist Church shares a pastor with the Wilton congregation. Pastor Lorrie Aikens leads services each Sunday at 11 a.m., offered online, drive-in [FM 100.1], or in person. A Bible study is held Tuesday evenings, while Women’s Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Children and youth can also attend Sunday School during the worship hour.

Emergency Aid
The Women’s Group frequently responds to emergency needs within the community, providing heating assistance and other aid. “We gave money to people who had a flood last year,” Donahue said. “If we see a need, we fill it. The first of January, we had three people who needed help with heating. We just do it on an as-needed basis.”

Donahue emphasized the inclusivity of the group’s efforts. “Most of the people we help are low income or single parents, or someone that lost their job. If anyone says they need it, we try to accommodate them–whether or not they attend the church,” she said.

Looking Ahead
While no events are planned until spring, the Women’s Group is preparing for its annual rummage sale, Pierpole Days and Vacation Bible School [VBS]. Last year’s VBS saw the group provide over 700 meals during a week of activities, culminating in a community barbecue.

“We try to make it fun for the families,” Donahue said, noting that the church often opens its doors for events like these, offering a place to cool off and gather.

Despite the challenges of supporting a rural community, the Women’s Group remains steadfast in its mission. “If anyone says they need it, we try to accommodate them–whether or not they attend the church,” Donahue said.

For more information about the United Methodist Economic Ministry, visit https://www.umeconomicministry.com.