Sometimes, it can seem like the things that divide are greater than our similarities. That lack of unity can lead to a breakdown of communities.

But the Bradford Area Ministerium is trying to fight that negative outlook by coming together — despite differences in doctrine — to create a critical safety network for those less fortunate.

“We are all different flavors of ice cream but we are all ice cream — we are all Christians trying to follow Jesus’ example,” said the Rev. Stacey Fussell, president of the Ministerium and pastor at Episcopal Church of the Ascension. “We are able to find that common ground to serve our community.”

More than 20 local churches are a part of the Ministerium, which has existed for more than 30 years. Church elders from around the area come together once a month to help one another, sharing fellowship and information. They have a second, more informal gathering later in the month.

“We are really blessed that we have such a well functioning Ministerium here,” Fussell said. “It is an important part of our witness that the Church is functioning and working in our community.”

The group tries to stay informed about community needs and how the Ministerium can best meet them. Each church has its own role to play in the network helping the needy. The group strives to avoid duplication of effort to maximize its effectiveness.

“We try not to repeat what the other church is doing or what another not-for-profit is doing in our area,” said Fussell.

And they are incredibly effective at what they do.

The Ministerium sponsors many events including the Community Thanksgiving Service, the National Day of Prayer observance and the Good Friday Cross Walk.

“We all kind of help out and those are very special services because it is a time for our whole community to come together,” said Fussell.

She explained that different churches help with different needs and coordinate with each other and other local nonprofits.

For example, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension focuses much of its outreach around preventing hunger. They host the Second Harvest Food Truck distributions once a month and send any surplus to the Friendship Table.

They also host a Thanksgiving Day Community Meal and deliver holiday meals to the police and fire stations, staff at Bradford Regional Medical Center and the YWCA shelter.

“Several local churches host the Blessing Boxes and many more help keep them stocked,” said Fussell.

The Ministerium is also a sponsor of the Impact Clubs at Bradford High School and Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.

“That has been very, very popular with the kids,” Fussell said.

The Bradford Alliance Church in Minard Run hosts Faith In Action Furniture Ministry, which helps the needy furnish their homes free of charge.

“First Presbyterian has worked closely with the Housing Coalition and takes point on those issues,” said Fussell.

There is a weekly free clothing distribution at the Salvation Army, and several churches have clothing drop-off locations to help in the effort. The Bradford Alliance Church and Bradford First Church of the Nazarene both have clothing collection points as well.

Together, the Ministerium pastors take turns offering worship services at local nursing homes and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Harriet B. Wick Chapel.

Destinations serves as a starting point, and a place where the churches can coordinate their efforts.

“Destinations is the starting point because they can work with a person one-on-one to get to know all of their needs,” said Fussell.

She stressed that those seeking help don’t have to be afraid to ask at any church, whether they were members or not.

“You don’t have to have any faith at all and we will still help you,” said Fussell. “If you tell me you need furniture for you and your three kids we aren’t going to ask you if everyone has been baptized first.”

Fussell hopes that the Ministerium will serve as a reminder that the Church — with a capital C — is a functioning, vibrant part of the community.

“We have this idea that the churches are very divided but here in Bradford that is not the case,” said Fussell. “I am thankful because I know that willingness to coordinate helps us to be more effective and reach more people who need us.”