Gorham Ecumenical Commission

Ecumenical Documents and Links

Purpose

Our purpose is to foster unity among church families of Gorham, through our working together, serving God by serving others, in joyous fellowship of the Lord.

History

The Gorham Ecumenical Commission was created, in 1966, by pastors, Russ Peppe, Roy Chamberlain and Roland Normandeau. They saw animosity between the different churches in Gorham and wanted to do something about it.

At the first few meetings, they asked themselves “what can we do for Gorham?” As it turns out—a lot. Through word of mouth, news of the Ecumenical Commission spread, and within a year, 10 of 12 churches in Gorham joined.

Over the years, the commission has offered a variety of programs and services including transportation and babysitting for those in need, emergency food assistance, worship services, habitat for humanity support, nutritional and emotional counseling, living room dialogues, newcomer teas and more.

Ongoing Activities and Groups

  • Ecumenical Food Pantry:The Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry is designed to offer a source of emergency food supplies to any person in need in the town of Gorham. It is located at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Main Street. Open weekly Thursday 9-11am, 2nd Wednesday Evening of Each Month 5:45-7:00pm Except on holidays.
  • Bread Basket Community Dinner:The community dinner is held every 4th Monday night at 6pm at First Parish Congregational Church. A different church or organization hosts the dinner each month. The host provides the food and drink, as well as setup, serving and cleanup duties.
  • Habitat for Humanity Race/Walk
  • Ecumenical Music Concert
  • Peace and Social Concerns Group