Being a Matthew 25 Congregation is a call to “actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities” and “recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. And we rejoice how our re-energized faith can unite all Presbyterians for a common and holy purpose: our common identity to do mission.” The three areas of focus in being a Matthew 25 Congregation are Congregational Vitality, Systemic Poverty, and Structural Racism.

PC(USA)

MCPC continues to respond to the Matthew 25 call in the following ways.

Congregational Vitality is evident in the way this congregation continues to care for one another, engage in ministry together, and worship as community, whether in the sanctuary or online. Congregational Vitality at MCPC was both challenged and strengthened by the Covid pandemic as we took seriously the challenge to remain alive and active. Through out, this congregation was, and remains, strong and working as a community to continue ministry in this time and place.

Systemic Poverty and Structural Racism continue to call us to action in many ways. The Pumpkin Patch’s support of Native American Tribes of Maine and the Southwest United States. The congregation’s support of local agencies including The Gathering Place, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention, Tedford Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity. Our Alternative Christmas Market highlighted ways to shift the focus of Christmas to ways we can support work around the world that addresses poverty.

Systemic Poverty and Structural Racism were even more visible in 2020. We sought to be intentional about not becoming overwhelmed by it all. Worship and sermons often spoke to the issues of systemic poverty and structural racism, and we sought education and new ways to respond. It was especially important to have a Pumpkin Patch in 2020 given its connection to and economic impact on the Navajo Nation. At several points in 2020 the congregation donated supplies (from food to warm clothing) for local social support agencies The Gathering Place and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention; Tedford Shelter meals continued each month, including providing a few additional meals to help fill gaps that arose this year; and the Deacon’s fund gave financially to each of these organizations. Several congregants walked in or supported a walker in Habitat’s Virtual Spring Walk fundraiser. Our Alternative Christmas Market highlighted ways to shift the focus of Christmas to ways we can support work around the world that addresses poverty. Many in the congregation participated in the PC(USA) Racial Justice Challenge, designed to increase awareness of the realities of racism and ways to respond. We highlighted each of these things on our webpage in hopes that it would help spread the word.