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One of the most notable programs sponsored by Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM) is our furniture program. Each year, we give away about $250,000 worth of used furniture to recently homeless families, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and others lacking resources.

A year ago, I received a message that's still on my voicemail as a reminder that transforming the life of one person makes all the difference: "This is Sister Baker. I just want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I thank you for your program. I thank you for helping me. I'm sitting on my living room set. I want to cry. I want to thank you in the name of Jesus for helping me and being my sister. Thank you. God bless you."

Ecumenism is alive and well in the work of serving those in need, working for social justice and building stronger communities.

For those who glaze over at a word like" ecumenism," it means embracing the many expressions of the body of Christ. Practically speaking, we roll up our sleeves to work together in ministry.

TAUM is a place where this happens. We sit at table at our Troy Damien Center, having served those who come for a nutritious meal. We are Roman Catholic, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran and non-denominational, as well as Jewish and unaffiliated. Because we have one foot in the interfaith community, we gather as people of many faith traditions to build understanding, to work for peace.

The furniture we collect to give to those in need is ecumenical, too: It may have started in a Baptist home and may now be in a Metho­dist one! The meals we serve were lovingly prepared by Catholics shoulder-to-shoulder with Presbyterians. Together, we sponsor the annual CROP Walk to fight hunger.

The work we do is a tangible way of embodying the love of Christ. It reminds us of the invitation of our God, whom we are worshipping as we serve: "Come, buy and eat without money, without price."

For those in Christian traditions, the food and furniture we give and the scholarships and computers we provide for young people, are what we do as if for Christ.

This time of year, through TAUM's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program, we are particularly mindful of the vision of love, peace and justice for all people. At the conclusion of our interfaith service, we join hands, singing, "We Shall Overcome." When we sing, "The Lord will see us through," we know it to be true!

Like so many clergy, I serve in another position: as part-time pastor of First United Church in Hoosick Falls. My colleague, Rev. Tom Zelker of nearby Immaculate Conception parish, is as fine a colleague in ministry as a person could hope for. He has a kind and respectful demeanor toward sisters and brothers in congregations there.

Through the Hoosick Area Church Association (HACA), we share in ecumenical Lenten services and support a food pantry and a kids' backpack program. We see each other as faithful witnesses to what God calls us to do.

Rev. Jim Kane is my gracious ecumenical counterpart in the Roman Catholic tradition. Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard also supports ministries that serve the marginalized. Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger appointed me to the diocesan Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may we more fully live into Jesus' vision that we may all be one.

(The Rev. Elia is executive director of TAUM and pastor of First United Presbyterian Church in Hoosick Falls.)[[In-content Ad]]

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