PATTEN, Maine — Residents in need of food supplies now have a new place to pick up canned goods thanks to the efforts of the members of Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church.
Ruth Foss, pastor for the church, dedicated the new food pantry “Heavens Blessing Cupboard” at a recent church service and has already seen local residents utilizing the service.
“They [residents] don’t drive, so they were excited that we have the pantry here in town,” Foss said. “They were so thankful that they now have a place to go during those rough times in life.”
Located at 7 Houlton St., the church pantry will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday.
“I love being here during the hours of the pantry,” Foss said. “I am able to meet and talk with the people who come to the pantry. I believe that we need to provide not only for their physical needs, but also for the needs of their souls. These are people who are down on their luck and sometimes you just need to hear someone cares when you are in that situation.”
Foss’ vision for the pantry is that it will continue to grow and that the church will be even more relevant in not only the Patten area, but the surrounding communities. Food items will be replenished by members of the church, she explained.
“My vision for myself is that as the pastor of this church, I will be able to reach others with the love of God and then let God do His thing with the souls that I may touch,” she said. “I will be here to talk with and pray with those who may be looking up from their ‘rock bottom’ for someone to help them and give them hope.”
For more information, call Pastor Foss at 528-2277 or email pstrfoss@outlook.com.
