Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches Inc.

The Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches Inc., commonly known as Love Chapel, is a not-for-profit organization based in Bartholomew County, Indiana. This organization is a testament to interfaith unity and community service, formed by a collaborative effort among various Christian churches to address local needs.

History

The foundation of Love Chapel began in 1967 when a small group of Christians, including laypeople and clergy from diverse denominations, started meeting to explore ways to serve their community better. This initiative evolved into a formal entity known as the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches, aiming to demonstrate a unified Christian witness through collective action.

Membership and Support

Today, the Assembly comprises over 25 member churches and receives support from more than 60 churches in total. Additionally, it is financially sustained through donations from individuals, foundations, schools, and businesses within the community. Notably, Love Chapel operates independently without government funding or support from larger non-profit organizations.

Services

Love Chapel provides a range of essential services to support residents of Bartholomew County:

• Food Pantry: Offering essential food supplies to those in need.
• Hot Meals: Providing hot meal services to support nutrition and community welfare.
• Emergency and Transitional Housing: Offering temporary housing solutions to address homelessness.
• Financial Assistance: Providing assistance with rent and utility bills for those facing financial challenges.
• Transportation Support: Offering bus passes to help individuals access necessary services.

Mission

The mission of Love Chapel is rooted in demonstrating Christ's love by addressing the physical needs of the community. It functions as a beacon of hope and unity among diverse Christian denominations, showing that collective efforts can have a profound impact on supporting those in need.

Community Engagement

Love Chapel engages in community events and partnerships to raise awareness and support for its mission. These events often include fundraisers and community activities that promote unity and service within the local community.