For the last six years Lorain Christian Temple Disciples of Christ has nested El Faro, a Hispanic new church start; a relationship which has been a mutually positive one for both churches. A few months ago the two churches began to work together in a hot meal and food pantry ministry. On the second Wednesday of the month, members of both churches work together to serve a meal and to help the “shoppers” who come to the choice pantry.  Pastor Crucita Marrero, pastor of El Faro and Amy Duell from Christian Temple provide Spanish language service to the clients. Members of both churches serve the meal and work the choice pantry by helping clients select food, carry items to cars, and generally offer the ministry of hospitality to all who partake of the hot meal or visit the evening choice pantry. The Rev. Dr. Brad Donahue , Senior pastor of Christian Temple sees this partnership as a manifestation of the missional emphasis of both churches who are serving a highly distressed community which has a 34% poverty level. Lorain is one of the five poorest cities in Ohio. This partnership allows both churches to cross many barriers and to minister in the name of Christ in more effective manner. When we see black, white, Hispanic, male, female, gay, straight, law abider, law breaker, those who have and those who have not, old, young, well, sick, gathered together to break bread, and to receive bread given in the name of Christ,  it is a glimpse of what the kingdom is.

When Rick and Cheryl Lewis, Elders at Christian Temple, went to visit a sick neighbor they noticed that she had a stuffed toy with tag around its neck displayed in a prominent place. The stuffed toy had been sent to the woman by her daughter’s church. Cheryl thought that it was such a good idea that she brought the idea back to the Board of Elders which embraced the ministry wholeheartedly. If you would attend worship at Christian Temple you will probably sit next to one or more stuffed animals. Each stuffed toy bears a tag which reads: “This bear has been among the congregation of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ, Lorain, Ohio.  It has heard the Word read, Prayers prayed, Songs of Praise sung, and Sermons preached. It has been given Love and Loved others. Now it comes to you with Blessing of Healing, Christian Fellowship, Worship, Fulfilled Faith, Endured Hope, a Joyful Heart, Promised Peace and God’s Endless Love.” Members and visitors are encouraged to take a bear to someone as symbol of God’s love. Since this ministry began bears have traveled to homes, hospital rooms, nursing homes, and even out of state. The Rev. Dr. Brad Donahue says that the Prayer Bear Ministry is another example of the way that Christian Temple is living out its calling as a missional church.