WACOM PROGRAM EXPLAINED

Our speakers on July 20 were Pastor Jeanne Madsen of Our Savior Lutheran  and our own club member, George Burcum.  They told us about WACOM (Wayne Association of Congregations and Ministers) which was adopted in January of 1943 to foster goodwill and corporation between the city's churches.  They started with a 1943 community Lenten service at which they received an unheard of donation of $11.23.  There is no longer a community Lenten service but in 1960  a Thanksgiving service began which continues annually today.  In 1991 they began providing emergency service assistance to local persons and sometimes visitors who were in need.  The governing board led by its president, Pr. Jeanne, meets monthly with about 10 people attending for ecumenical activities to support one another to not let differences get in the way of service to the community.  The needs met usually are of food, medicine, rental assistance, utility bills, auto and home repairs. The requests for help comes mostly from churches, police, hospital, and utility departments.   There is no cash given out.  The donations are funneled out through the treasurer (George).  There are 6-8 requests per month and the annual budget is $10,000 which is covered by United Way ($5000), participating churches, and private donations.