Faith in Action

     Putting our Faith into action is the challenge of all God's People.  It is not enough that we believe, we must allow that belief to guide and direct our actions so that we can give witness to the transformation that is happening within us and pledge to build a better world at the direction of the Divine Guide.  Witness is the key word and the primary action of our lives.

     FAITH IN ACTION is also the name of a service program in our area that has as its goal "enhancing the quality of life for people 60 years and older by providing companionship and assistance."  Our local group is called "Brush Creek Area Faith in Action" and is under the direction of Teri Whalen, the Program Director.  I serve on the Steering Committee.  Faith in Action is under the umbrella of the United Way of Westmoreland County, and is impartnership with business, nonprofit and interfaith community leaders.  The program provides volunteer companionship and assistance to help seniors remain living in their homes and communities, independent and healthy.

     Types of services provided include: appointment escorts, handy person/minor repairs, telephone reassurance calls, caregiver relief, yard work/gardening, errands/shopping, referral assistance, supportive visits, and home safety checks.

     Why this service here?  Pennsylvania has among the highest percentage of aging population in the Country with being 65 or older; Westmoreland county rate is 18%; and the Irwin/North Huntingdon area comes in at 25%.  We are aging, and aging fast ... and the need continues to grow.

      I mention this today because this evening the Brush Creek Faith in Action is hosting an appreciation gathering for volunteers and those involved locally.  Our gratitude for such an organization, and our special thanks to the many volunteers involved who are the backbone of this work, and the wonderful clients that permit us to help them.  It allows us to put our Faith into action.