Act now, act locally

St. Paul’s, Corinth launches Mutual Aid Ministry

Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
—Acts 2:43-47

St. Paul’s Church, Corinth is launching a community Mutual Aid Ministry, modeled after similar ministries which encourage the mutual exchange of goods and services throughout the community, no matter the level of hardship. St. Paul’s ministry is coordinated in large part by parishioner Tim Inman, the Rev. Josh Inman’s husband. Mutual Aid ministries have grown around the country in recent years as more persons have struggled to make ends meet, and encompass a wide range of services, including food banks and clothing giveaways, and in some areas of the country also help shelter displaced persons. Mutual Aid ministries are designed to foster a sense of community cooperation to ensure the welfare of everyone in the community.

St. Paul’s initiative arose from Sunday Forum discussions and the parish’s sense that there were concrete ways to support the local community, particularly in light of the fact that federal funding for some programs aiding struggling neighbors might end. Inman describes the effort as a way to “act now” and “act locally,” leaning into what scriptures inform us as the ways that the first communities of followers of Christ were organized.

St. Paul’s is taking advantage of an unused classroom at the church in order to provide a physical space in which food, clothing, medical supplies, pet supplies, even gently used appliances will be made available for persons in the community who need the resources. Parish nurse, Dr. Cathy Byars, plans to offer medical clinics in the church’s parish hall. And, St. Paul’s existing Casserole Ministry will continue to provide ready-made meals.

To expand support opportunities beyond St. Paul’s parishioners, the church is setting up a Facebook page to create an “online hub” where persons in the community can exchange goods and services. In addition, St. Paul’s will work with the Corinth Aid Network (CAN) to maintain a comprehensive listing of other services, including legal aid, financial literacy classes, and ESL courses, that are offered at other sites in the community.

We are reminded, from the Acts of the Apostles, that the earliest followers of Christ lived cooperative lives – in their case, out of necessity, as they largely lived under threat. As humankind has moved more toward independence, part of that sense of cooperation to ensure the welfare of the struggling has been left behind. Perhaps it is time for us to regain it.

If you have questions about St. Paul’s ministry, please contact Tim Inman (timoinman@gmail.com) for more information.