New interfaith group looks for ways to provide local humanitarian aid

Alfred Gunn

Special to the Gateway

Ray Montero came to Gig Harbor with a vision. Actually, one he had seen in action in central California, where many churches had joined in an interfaith organization that made them each stronger.

Why not do the same in the Gig Harbor-Key Peninsula area? Visits to pastors in the area brought about positive feelings for the idea, and last fall, a small group began to meet for lunches, hosted by the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church on Pioneer Way. They did not discuss doctrine but rather what they could combine to do for the people of Gig Harbor.

The group became the Peninsula Communities of Faith in December 2008, and Deacon John Ricciardi of St. Nicholas Catholic Church consented to be chairman. Dick Kuehn of Habitat for Humanity was named the vice chairman, and Montero was named secretary.

“These efforts take time,” said Montero, who recalled the initial wariness among the pastors in California that later became bonds of trust and friendship as they worked together on issues and causes of common interest. “The outcome is worth the effort,” Montero said. “One measure of success is the success of all the participating churches.”

Riccardi has worked in various programs in the community for years and has seen people give their time and talents in unselfish ways.

“Everyone works so hard at this time of year to meet the needs and concerns of so many people,” he said. “Do they go away after Christmas? I think not. Cooperating together at any level can certainly go a long way toward making this area a better place for everyone.”

Montero would like to see people who represent each church and synagogue that serves Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula and Olalla areas. “Pastors are busy,” he said, “but we see women from Belfair churches coming together in that community to assist a successful ‘backpack’ program that provides weekend and summer meals to school children whose main meal of the day is often the free school lunch.”

The Lutheran churches and others at Gig Harbor already are involved with Habitat for Humanity, and Kuehn foresees more participation from the faith community as the churches work together.

Initial efforts also will look at support for foster children programs and possibly a lunch program for senior citizens. If there is a faith organization that has any of these programs going at this time, the Peninsula Communities of Faith would like to hear from them. The next meeting, open to all, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., on Jan. 12 at the United Methodist Church of Gig Harbor.

For more information, call Montero at 360-271-0228.