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About Us

Our Purpose

Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM) is a community of Christian Churches in Franklin County, Maine, gathered to respond to Jesus Christ’s call to take the good news of God’s love into all of society.  FAEM offers several ecumenical worship experiences each year and three unique ministries to respond to the social, physical, and spiritual needs of the people of Franklin County.

Member churches of FAEM partner with United Way of the Tri-Valley Area and Western Maine Community Action to fulfill our purpose of loving God and loving our neighbors by offering the following ministries for our neighbors:

The logo of the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry is an ancient ecumenical symbol of a boat with the cross of Christ, not pulled up on the shore, but out on the water, carrying the good news of God’s love in Jesus to people in need. The image portrays the faith we share and our willingness to go out into the world on mission with God. The term ecumenical (pronounced ek-you-men’-i-kal) refers to the worldwide Christian Church and the unity we have in our shared mission.

Our History

The Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry was founded during the 1980’s to foster a cooperative religious spirit in the community by having programs to explore the similarities and differences of   our various faith traditions.  The first ministry was to establish the Care and Share Food Closet, in partnership with Western Maine Community Action.  FAEM and WMCA then worked together to improve the housing at 82 High Street and ensure the availability of safe, affordable housing for low income residents.

In 2001 a bequest from Dorothy B. Mosher for the Care and Share Food Closet served as the impetus for FAEM to become a nonprofit corporation registered with the State of Maine.  Application was later made to be recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit corporation organized for religious and charitable purposes and therefore able to receive tax-deductible charitable donations.

In the first decade of the 21st century the primary focus of FAEM has shifted from having programs for its members to a more outward and missional focus.  Building on the original foundation of serving our neighbors in need, FAEM has developed several new ministries, including the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund, the Housing Assistance Fund, and the very popular Warming Center.

In 2010 F.A.E.M. was welcomed as a Community Partner by United Way of the Tri-Valley Area.  In 2011 UWTVA began awarding FAEM an Allocation for the ECU HEAT ministry.  FAEM member churches continue to make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors by working together  in answer to the call of Christ.

In 2017, Care and Share Food Closet became a 501.c.3 non-profit organization in its own right in order to better fulfill its mission.

FAEM is an all-volunteer charitable organization.  Your gifts support only the ministry you choose to support.  We invite you to join us in making a difference for the neighbors of Franklin County by volunteering and by giving to our ministries.

TO GIVE . . .

Our Members and Officers

MEMBER CHURCHES AND OFFICERS

OFFICERS, 2022:

Moderator: Amy Palmer
Vice Moderator: Marraine Kettell
Secretary: Judith Tracy
Financial Secretary: Dennis O’Neil
Treasurer: Dan Palmer
Assistant Treasurer: Janet Brackett

MINISTRY COORDINATOR

A Partner of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area UnitedWayLogo