Monday, May 7, 2012

Secret Ballot Forces Franklin County Food Pantry to Close Its Doors

May 7, 2012


Typical Monthly Food Pantry
Box of Food Provided to Needy Families
BUDE, MS - The Franklin Baptist Association Food Pantry will close its doors effective May 28, 2012.  Only 13 Churches out of 22 Baptist Churches associated with the Franklin Baptist Association attended the Spring Association Meeting which was held on April 16th at the Bude Baptist Church.  As part of that meeting a motion was made and seconded to close the Food Pantry and divert the monies used for the Food Pantry to hire an Associational Mission Director in addition to funding other ministry programs.  After a lengthy discussion from the floor, a secret ballot vote was held allowing only the pastors and their pastor messengers representing their church to vote.  The vote was 24 in favor of closing and 17 opposed. Yes, you read the count correctly as 41 pastors or pastors messengers voted even though only 13 out of the 22 Baptist churches were present.  The many non paid volunteers, that have given of their time and effort over many years to operate the Food Pantry, were left wondering what 'ministry program' had they been operating over these many years.  Some volunteers have given of their time, talent and effort for over 12 years ... through thick and thin times but always with a cheerful face and a sense of pride that they were able to 'minister' to the less fortunate whom look to the Food Pantry for some assistance. 


A volunteer and Food Pantry Manager, Mr. Charles Calcote said "the volunteers here at the Food Pantry are saddened and regret the closing of this important ministry.  It has been a joy and a privilege to serve the many residents of Franklin County.  Our prayer today is that it will be in operation again to help but it will take the Churches of Franklin County doing their part in giving financially, on a monthly basis to this ministry, in order for the food to be bought and given to the needy"  One Volunteer said 'this is a ministry of love that we volunteers do; but to turn it into a paid position is so disheartening. Is one salary worth the cost of the good we have done in our County?'  Many others stood by shaking their heads in agreement.  


Mr. Calcote also suggested that any interested party that would like to voice an opinion or further discuss closing the Food Pantry; contact any of the following persons:  Mr Brad Moak 601-384-5462; Mr Leon Wallace 601-384-5925; or Mr. Marvin Howard 601-384-2581 or 601-384-7493 or The Franklin Baptist Association, 122 Holly ST N, Bude, MS 39630 601-384-2759 


Source: FCNews STaff / Interview
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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Its so sad that the food pantry is closing, but as someone who worked with the Thrift Store to try to fund its efforts i can see why it has come to this. Times are hard, and its sad that not all churches could keep up with the demand to attend this crucial meeting. What will happen now Franklin County? What will happen to the little thrift store who can't keep the lights on?

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    1. jMay 7, 2012 at 3:39 PM

      Thank you for your input !

      Delete
    2. J-ZeroMay 8, 2012 at 8:46 AM

      These comments make me ill. If people want to step forward and make a new food pantry the time is now, not to point fingers and call names. There are over 140 churches in this county, any that would like to start a new food pantry is welcome to. No one will stop you from doing God's work. This pantry didn't have enough money to keep the doors open, this isn't a political power play. If you worked there you would know this. If you have such a issue with this there are many churches that would support you on this issue along with many civic organizations that would love your volunteer hours along with your support. This is not the time for anger, it is a time for change.

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    3. AnonymousMay 9, 2012 at 10:21 AM

      If there was no political element involved, why was there no mention of closing the pantry prior to the meeting? Churches should have been made aware of the Association's intentions prior to showing that night. No church would make a controversial decision on a vote of 24-17. You can no doubt understand why folks feel "caught off guard by the decision. The assumption that churches will now, all of a sudden, after a divisive vote that should have been tabled for further discussion, will now support the Association's goal to hire a director is ridiculous. If they weren't contibuting before, this will not make them start. Frankly, you should be sick. Ending ministry in the name of doing ministry makes no sense and all Baptist churches in Franklin Co. have been made to look uncaring & foolish. We have played the stereotype well: uneducated, Miss. Baptists who care more about politics than the Kingdom. It's no wonder that 90% of our SBC churches have plateaued or are declining. This is the best advertisement I can think of on why it's better to be Methodist!!!

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    4. AnonymousMay 10, 2012 at 9:31 PM

      140 churches in a county with a population of less than 8600 people....WOW That would mean each church divided equally would have approximately 60+ parishioners. Does that mean people are paying for 140 pastors; church expenses; parsonage and expenses? No wonder we don't have money for the food bank. This county just CANNOT get it together for their people. The 140 churches, are these black and white churches? Wonder if we can't worship together here on earth how do we think we could be together and worship in heaven? If we can't work together to help the poor here, can we work together in heaven? Come on pastors, make this happen as you are supposed to be the county religious LEADERS.

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  2. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    Wonder who needed a job???? perhaps we can find out later (Associational Mission Director) and why not be transparent and tell what [other ministry programs] are more important than the hungry in our county. And we wonder why folks are dropping out of the churches in this county..... thought the Bible says help all and to minister to all. Would also like to see a list of Pastors attending and list of Pastors not attending.

    Anonymous because there are Baptists that would ostracize those that disagree with them.....REALLY?

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    1. jMay 7, 2012 at 3:39 PM

      Thank you for your input !

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 8:42 PM

      Maybe the Pastors were too embarrassed to watch all the "poor" come to the pantry.....too embarrassed to be there to invite them to their church????

      Oh, or maybe they were not dressed well enough or have the right "credentials" to be invited to their church. Seems the local churches are pretty "cloned" as far as parishioners are concerned.....at least the ones I have attended.

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  3. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    Please get your facts straight. The messengers aren't the pastor's messengers, they are messengers elected by their churches.

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    1. jMay 7, 2012 at 3:39 PM

      Thank you for your input !

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 5:02 PM

      A 'spade' is a 'spade' no matter who sent them. They were doing either the bidding of the pastor or the church that elected them ... So, are you telling me the Church does not support the ministry ? You may want to check your facts ! Seems like the article called a spade a spade ...

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  4. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    Messenger's bring the word and 'vote' as decided by 'someone'- be it the Pastor or the Church Members - seems like a 'spade' is still a 'spade' !

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  5. AnonymousMay 8, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    The ones who voted to close the food pantry have probably NEVER volunteered at the food pantry or the thrift store. Why can't the "Associational Mission Director" volunteer for this job? Whoever is hired probably doesn't NEED the extra pay check anyway. Why can't more people volunteer to help at the thrift store? Why does it just have to be a "Baptist" thing? Why can't there be a "Franklin County Food Pantry" and let all churches and organizations raise funds to support it?

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