Spotlight on Bethany Church

The paper goods are piling up at Bethany Church, where decorative barrels at the back of church are positioned to receive various donations for the many missions the church supports. Rita Edwardson, who serves on the Providence Pantry Board, makes sure the paper products reach the pantry and those in need.

Among the many partners that Providence Pantry counts on for help is Bethany United Church of Christ, located at 201 West Miller in West Terre Haute.

Through their regular collections they enable the pantry to provide something most pantries do not offer — paper goods, such as toilet paper, paper towels and napkins.

“Our clients can’t get paper goods with food stamps,” explained Sister Joseph Fillenwarth, pantry director.

Rita Edwardson has been one of the forces behind the church’s efforts on behalf of the pantry. She now serves on the advisory board of the pantry, along with other representatives of partner churches and organizations.

According to Rita, the Bethany congregation supports several missions in addition to the pantry, including Helping Hands in West Terre Haute. They also collect
eye glasses for the Lions Club and dental products for St. Ann’s Clinic in Terre Haute (now known as the Wabash Valley Health Center).

Rita, who has been a member of the Bethany Church since she was a fourth grader, believes her church has a strong sense of mission. According to Rita, helping the pantry just seems like the right thing to do.