Tuesday I attended a meeting at Messiah Lutheran Church concerning the area economic situation. It was attended by some former LTV employees, a couple of former Finger Hut employees, people from the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Association (AEOA), people from Action Through Churches Together (ACT), and a number of area pastors.

We heard some short presentations at the beginning of the meeting and then met in small discussion groups. We talked about what has happened, people's most pressing needs, where service agencies can help, and where might churches be able to help.

I already knew about some of what I heard, but I also learned some things I didn't know.

People have been affected by our recent economic events in many ways. Even though many of you know more about what has happened than I do, and many of you have experienced these things first hand, I am going to list some of the things that have happened:

· Jobs and income have been lost.

· Health insurance has been lost.

· Prescription coverage has been lost.

· Pensions have been reduced.

· People have been forced to move.

· Assets have been lost to foreclosure.

· Assets have been sold at a loss.

· Lies have been told.

· Anger has erupted.

· Families have broken up.

· Unemployment is running out.

· Depression and other health problems have surfaced.

These are just a few of the things that have happened. More takes place each day, and the area won't recover quickly.

People from social agencies pointed out that government guidelines and guidelines imposed by those who fund their programs, limit their ability to help. They also pointed out that many of those who were unemployed and impoverished before LTV closed are far less likely to obtain employment now because many of the people let go by LTV have better job skills than they do.

They also pointed out that some people who currently receive temporary assistance, formerly known as welfare, will soon reach their five-year lifetime limit. Also since the economic downturn acquiring funding for social agencies has become much more competitive. One case in point, the funding for the Crusin' to Success program was recently eliminated.

There were suggestions made as to how churches might respond to all of this. One obvious way is for congregations to establish accounts to help those in need. The We Care fund at St. Mark's is one such account. For congregations such as ours who already have such an account, emphasis should be placed on asking for regular substantial contributions to that account.

Another suggestion was to establish a weekly movie night at the church where parents and young children could watch a movie and eat popcorn or have ice cream for little or no cost.

We know that the food shelf will be used more, and we know that people will still be in need of simple, decent, homes. It is important to continue to support the food shelf and Habitat for Humanity.

I plan to attend a meeting concerning the future of the Crusin' to Success program on June 25th.

The Covenant Church in Biwabik started the construction of a new building about the time LTV was closing its doors. Some of the other area congregations plan to have fund raising dinners for them during the week of the Habitat for Humanity 500-mile bike ride. I will be peddling 500 miles that week and won't be able to attend any of the dinners, but I will keep you posted as to the times and locations, and I encourage you to enjoy a meal and help them out, if you are able to do so.

I hope that some of you will suggest ways that you think our congregation ought to respond to these events. If you like one of the suggestions I've mentioned, please let me know. If you have a suggestion of your own, I'd love to hear it. God bless each and every one of you.

Sincerely,

Pastor Birk