A "growth group" project at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Tamaqua grew this past weekend to include the entire Tamaqua area, benefiting two local food pantries.

Growth groups are small ministries, designed to build relationships, share in the church community, and promote personal and church growth. While based on the teachings of the Bible, they are ecumenical in nature, offering support in a relaxed, intimate setting. Many are geared to a specific segment of society, based on gender, age, marital status, etc. Most of the sessions are held weekly for a certain number of weeks.In this case, growth group leader Paul Dodson was looking for a meaningful way to conclude the latest effort at Bethany and reached out to the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network, an organization of lay leaders from area churches and other organizations doing God's work in the community, and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. It was decided to conduct a "Hunger Weekend and Walk" to aid the food pantries at Trinity United Church of Christ and the Salvation Army, both in Tamaqua.The event was held this past weekend, providing the pantries with cash and 40 boxes, four shopping carts and numerous bags filled with nonperishable food items. Checks totaling $2,651.82 were presented to Betty Dolinsky of Trinity UCC and Maj. Sharon Whispell of the Salvation Army. Dodson said he was "pleased with the results. It shows that people in the Tamaqua area are concerned about those that need a helping hand." Dolinsky and Whispell were equally grateful, as "This is a barren time for us," Whispell said. "We thank everyone who supported Hunger Weekend."The May 18 event attracted 34 walkers. Top pledge collectors were the team of Diane Chicinavage and Destiny Denning, as well as the Rev. Susan Daniels, Mary Kay Davis, and Charles and Jane Reaman.For updates on the network's activities, visit

www.taffn.org.