Christ
Church Congregation
Agape Christian Fellowship
Holy Family Parish
Fort Kent Bible Church
St. Louis Parish
Assembly of God
Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall
Summary
Location: 53 Pleasant Street, Fort Kent
Pastor Bruce Jenkins
The following information was provided by Pastor Bruce Jenkins during the first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY
The church has been established for 105 years. It began as a Presbyterian Church connected with St. John, New Brunswick but in the early 1930's switched to Congregational Church Government in Maine. The roots of the church stem back from John Robinson to early Puritans and Pilgrims.
Number of Members: 39. Those attending number between 60 and 65.
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Sunday School: 9:00- 10:00 am
Sunday Services: 10:00- 11:00 am.
Bible Studies held upon request.
Wednesday: Confirmation class for Junior High and early teens. Bible school for children,
lessons and games.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
Support: 1. Visitations and encouragement are provided to the sick or dying member and their family members. 2. Prayer for the sick or dying and the family members. 3. Support and health in preparation in the last stages of life.
RITUALS, PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH, ILLNESS
Follow Biblical scriptures on caring for the body because it is the dwelling place of the Holy spirit. The church warns it's members against drunkenness. Anything illegal is not approved of by the church. Abortion is believed to be a sin.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
There is a belief that the original sin of Adam has had an effect on all aspects of life including health. There is the belief that God has enabled man to know how the human body works. There is a belief that God has allowed illness and death because of original sin. However, God is there to help one in time of crisis and need. The book of Job from the Bible shows one that God allowed Satan to inflict boils and illness to Job. There is a belief that certain behaviors such as not smoking, eating healthy, exercise etc. can help in the prevention of some illnesses and diseases. There is also a belief that some illnesses are from genetics and the environment.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
The church recognizes health care systems as places to go when in need of professionals for physical and mental illness. There are no restrictions other than abortion.
RECREATION
Family oriented picnics, suppers, bowling and outdoor activities are on going.
Location: North Perley Brook, Fort Kent
Reverend Colby Churchill
The following information was provided by Reverend Colby Churchill and members of the congregation during the first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY:
This church was associated with the United Pentecostal Church International for eighteen years but four years ago terminated the association to become a community Christian church.
Number Of Members: 45
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS:
Sunday Worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00- 12:00 Bible Study
Wednesday 7:00- 9:00pm Bible Study
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS AND DEATH
Support: 1. Visitation to the sick and/or dying member and their family. 2. Prayer for the sick and/or dying and the family members. 3. Financial assistance when they see a need. 4. Support such as running errands, cooking meals, etc.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS AND DEATH
There is a belief that God sometimes allows illness and suffering into our lives to develop Christian character and for connection. There is a belief in taking preventative measures such as education, vaccination, proper life styles, etc. There is also a belief that one is in control of one's own body and that one is responsible for one's own decisions and actions. Decisions and actions that one takes will have a positive or negative effect on one's life and health. There is another belief that each person is saved by the grace through faith.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS:
Health care is acknowledged and appreciated in all aspects. The only restrictions to the health care system are abortion and euthanasia which are both considered to be sins. There is also a belief that God gives knowledge to physicians and nurses to care for the sick and these professionals are to be appreciated.
Location: Route 161 Daigle, ME. (New Canada)
Father Jean Labrie
The following information has been provided by Father Jean Paul Labrie and Mrs. Linda Masse, a member of the congregation and catechism instructor.
HISTORY:
Originates from Frenchville and New Brunswick and is a branch of the Catholic Church.
Number of Members:
SERVICES:
Sunday- 8 AM
Catechism classes are held throughout the week, each division meeting once
per week.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH AND ILLNESS:
The priest provides members with the Celebration of the Sacraments: confession and reconciliation to make peace before death. Sacraments of anointment to the sick and those approaching death or those undergoing surgery. Holy communion is also provided for the dying. For those who are ill the church has a hospice group which visits with the sick and helps them with activities of daily living. For those families or individuals in need the church occasionally holds collections specifically for them. For the sick and dying the priest also brings attention to them during services and prayers are offered for them.
RITUALS PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH, OF ILLNESS:
Practices of fasting of Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. The perception of fasting means no snacks between meals. This practice is left entirely up to the individual. Children under the age of 14 and the feeble and ill of health are not expected to fast. There is a practice of abstaining from meat on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. This practice is also left up to the individual. Consumption of foods, smoking, and alcohol are asked to be done in moderation. All illegal substances are not acceptable. Members are also asked to abide by the law.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND DYING:
Illness is not seen as a punishment from God or Satan. Illness is a product of genetics, life style practices, and from social structure. Each individual is responsible for their health.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS:
The health care system is seen as providing physical and mental care. There are no restrictions to any type of care provided by the health care system. Type of care chosen or refused would be up to the individual. Every one has a right to health care, but sustaining life as an absolute is not encouraged.
RECREATION:
The church holds breakfasts, luncheons and harvest dinners (free of charge) that are
family oriented.
Location: St. John Road, Fort Kent
Pastor Chris Michaud
The following information was provided by Chris Michaud during the first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY:
The church has been in the area for about twelve years and stems from the Protestant Reformation going back to Martin Luther who broke away from the Catholic Church because the scriptures that he discovered in the Bible which led him to believe other than what was being taught.
Number of Members: 20, about 30 to 40 attend services.
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS:
Sunday School: 9:30 am provided for all age levels
Sunday Services: 10:30 am
Wednesday: 7:00 - 9:00pm Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Food Pantry provided for those in need.
Funds provided for missionaries, as well.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
Support: 1. Visitation to the sick and/or dying member and their family. 2. Prayer for the sick and /or dying and the family members. 3. Financial support when there is a need. 4. Support such as bringing meals, running errands, etc.
RITUALS, PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH OR ILLNESS
The church practices baptism and communion. Drugs are seen as good and evil. They are good if taken for medicinal purposes. They are evil if consumed illegally or for socialization. Alcohol is also seen as good and evil. It is good if taken for medicinal purposes as there is alcohol in cough syrups. It is evil if consumed for socialization. There are no restriction on food. Abortion is considered to be a sin.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
There is a belief that the cause of illness is a result of Adam's original sin. Aging is a process due to original sin. There is a belief that God can heal. Believed is that all die once and during death the soul leaves the body and lives on in heaven or hell, and that someday after death one will get a new body that will be joined to one's soul. There is a belief that because Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins that he paid the price for our sins. All one has to do is believe and have faith unto him to go to heaven. All the good on earth that one would do would not save oneself if one did not have faith and believe that Jesus saves. All the beliefs can be supported through scripture.
PERCEPTIONS OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
All aspects of preventative measures such as health behaviors and mechanisms are believed in. Abortion is believed to be a sin. As for mental illness, the belief is that if a person seeks God's health through the word and scripture that this is how they will be healed.
RECREATION
Family oriented picnics, suppers, sports and outdoor activities occur year round.
Location: 11 East Main, Fort Kent.
Father Jean Labrie
The following information has been provided by Father Jean Paul Labrie during this first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY
The church originates from Frenchville and New Brunswick and is a branch of the Catholic Church. The church has been in the area for 127 years.
Number of Members: 3,800 with about 1,442 registered families.
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Saturday: 4:00 pm (French Mass)
Sunday Masses: 9:30 & 10:00 am
Youth group for ages 13-20 is available. Numbers of actively involved youth is about 47
but there are 286 registered. Gatherings are in a structured environment. Provided
services include Bible studies, guidance in healing, education on sex, AID's, drugs, etc.
The youth are involved in helping to meet the needs of the elderly such as visits, doing
crafts with them, and other projects. They also help to prepare food baskets for the needy
for Christmas and Thanksgiving. They are involved in celebrations such as World Youth Day
and the celebration of the Eucharist. The church would like to seen an expansion towards
regional events but cost is a barrier. The main focus is to enable and empower the youth
in spirituality as a community of faith.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH.
Support: 1. The priest provides members with the celebration of Sacraments: confession and reconciliation to make peace before death. Sacraments of anointment to the sick and those approaching death or those undergoing surgery. Holy communion is also provided for the dying.
RITUALS, PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH, ILLNESS
Practices of fasting on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. The perception of fasting means no snacks between meals. This practice is left entirely up to the individual. There is the practice of abstaining from meat on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. This practice is also left up the individual. Consumption of foods, smoking, and alcohol are asked to be done in moderation. All illegal substances are no acceptable . Members are also asked to abide by the law.
PERCEPTIONS OF BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
Illness is not seen as a punishment from God or Satan. Illness is a product of genetics, life style practices, and from social structure. Each individual is responsible for their health.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
The health care system is seen as providing physical and mental care. There are no restrictions to any type of care provided by the health care system. Type of care chosen or refused would be up to the individual. Every one has a right to health care, but sustaining life as an absolute is not encouraged.
RECREATION
Family oriented church suppers are on going.
Location: Frenchville Road
Reverend Duane Styles
The following information was provided by Rev. Duane Styles during this first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY
The church was started in Fort Kent in 1979 by Reverend Kenneth Gagnon. Internationally, it was started at the turn of the century. Individuals from all denominations and all ethnic groups were looking for a fresh movement of God, and this started in Los Angeles. The leadership early on came primarily from a Wesleyan Methodist background as well as Baptist and Christian Missionary Alliance. The people came together to pray for renewal and revival, and this is where the Assembly of God stems from. Missionaries were sent to all continents of the world. The largest church in the world today is the Assembly of God Church in Seoul Korea with over half a million members.
Number of Members: 100
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Sunday 10:30- 12:00am
Sunday 6:00- 7:30 pm
Sunday meeting for teens
Wednesday night meeting for pre-teens
Thursday at 11:00 for college group
There is a food pantry for the needy.
The leader has worked with Hospice and does a seminar on death and dying for them. All
teachings are Biblical in base with the purpose of promoting spirituality.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
Support: 1. Visits from the sick and the family members. 2. Prayers for the sick and family members. 3. Food and help is brought in as needed. 4. Keeps close ties with the health care providers. 5. Funerals and services are individualized to meet the needs of the family.
RITUALS, PRACTICES, OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH, OR ILLNESS
The church believes that abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is a healthier choice. Pro-life is the belief on the issue of abortion. There are no restrictions on diet.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
There is a belief that the original sin of Adam has had an effect on health and takes a literal view of scriptures concerning the fall of man. There is the belief that it is possible for Satan to give illness as is described by the book of Job. It is believed that God uses medical science and physicians to help. The belief is that people are responsible for their actions. Therefore, there are self-induced sicknesses such as cirrhosis of the liver and emphysema. There is a belief that preventative health behaviors and practices should be followed.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
The church agrees with scientific information which is being discovered through God's divine help. There are no restrictions other than abortion. The church promotes morality and sex within marriage.
RECREATION
Family oriented suppers, picnics, games and barbecues are on going.
Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall
Location: Route 161 Daigle, ME. (New Canada)
Elder Danny Plourde
The following information was provided by Danny Plourde and Mike Levesque during the first week of November, 1996.
HISTORY
Jehovah's Witnesses were established in the Fort Kent area in the late 1960's but their foundation began with Charles Taze Russel and his associates in 1870.
Number of Members: 37
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Tuesday 7:15-9:00 pm- Bible education meetings.
Thursday 7:00-9:00 pm- Bible education meetings.
Sunday 10:00- 12:00- Bible education meetings.
ROLES OF RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS DURING HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
Support: 1. Visits to the sick, dying and the family members to provide encouragement and comfort. 2. Provides support of the view of abstinence from blood. 3. Prayers for the sick, dying and family members. 4. Support such as running errands, food, etc. 5. Provide the role as advocate for the needy.
RITUALS, PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS ON DIET, HEALTH OR ILLNESS
Specific restrictions on food is blood sausage or meats that have not been drained of blood or meats from strangled animals. Smoking is not allowed because of it's effect on the body. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and all non-blood product foods are allowed in moderation. An over consumption of these to the point of sickness is considered a sin. All medicines are accepted unless they would contain blood.
PERCEPTIONS OR BELIEFS RELATED TO CAUSE AND EFFECT OF HEALTH, ILLNESS, DEATH
God is believed to be a God of love and would not cause harm to anyone. Satan is capable of inflicting sickness and an example used was Job in the scriptures. It is believed that God is not responsible for untimely occurrences. Unpreventable illness such as inherited illness comes from original sin. There is a belief that medical asepsis, vaccinations, health behaviors and mechanisms can prevent some illnesses. There is a belief that health must be maintained. Elders state that all their beliefs stem from the Bible.
PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
The church recognizes the health care facilities as places one goes to seek professionals for physical , mental and emotional assistance when ill. There is a belief in all medical treatment provided except for the treatment with blood. There is a belief in taking non-blood products such as volume expanders, erythropoietin for production of blood cells, dextran, saline, ringers solution and these types of products.
RECREATION
Family oriented suppers, picnics, sports, and outdoor activities year round.
When speaking with the leaders and members of the different organized churches in the area the individual who collected this information was impressed by a strong sense of commitment, love and caring for the people and the community. All provided much support for members and nonmembers as they see the need. The sense of family is strong as evidenced by the family oriented activities that are initiated in all groups. Members feel that their spirituality is their "walk with God".
When talking with a member of the Jewish faith the researcher sensed a strong commitment to the beliefs and heritage as well as a caring for people. The individual feels that one does not necessarily need an edifice to go to, on the other hand, the contact with members of the same religion and sharing of the traditions is missed.