Thomaston Baptist Church hosts 2012 Eliza Steele Mercy March and Youth Fast

Thomaston Baptist Church hosts 2012 Eliza Steele Mercy March and Youth Fast


Thomaston, Maine - During the 2012 (second annual) Eliza Steele Mercy March/Youth Fast this spring, Thomaston Baptist Church hosted area high school youth fasters, “going without so that others may be served,” in support of the Rockland District Nursing Association (RDNA).  Reverend Wayne Sawyer states, “our mission as a church is to not only be present in the community with the good news of God's love, but also to stand with and support other organizations who have a similar, compassionate community mission.   We are thankful to be a part of this important outreach.”

Reviving the RDNA “Mercy Marches” of the 1960s, fifteen area high school youth fasters, with help from Cub Scout Pack 215, South Thomaston Methodist church youth and the Oceanside Key Club, raised over $3,000 in support of RDNA. This met the $1,000 fundraising challenge from RDNA Board and community members, offered in memory of Margaret Torfason, RN – RDNA’s founding nurse Eliza Steele’s colleague and successor.

2012 Eliza Steele Youth Fasters
Photo Courtesy of RDNA

During the months of February and March, youth fasters presented to five area churches, Rockland Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, Chamber After-Hours, Union Senior Citizens group, on community radio/WRFR and hosted tables at area businesses and events.  Simultaneously forty adult ambassadors raised funds, and bottles were collected at the Methodist Conference Home, Rankin Center, Knox Hotel, URock, the Rockland Rec Center, and by area residents.  St. Peter’s honored life long member, Eliza Steele, Owls Head Baptist Church remembered Margaret Torfason, and Rockland Congregational Church held a benefit jazz concert.  The combined event fundraising total exceeded $11,000.

On March 30 – 31, the 20-hour fast began at Thomaston Baptist Church with a “last supper” prepared by RDNA Board volunteers.  Through the hours, fasters collected 40 pounds of trash on Rockland streets, washed cars at Park Street Carwash, swam at the Samoset, and participated in experiential workshops on disability and aging. Reverend Sawyer noted, “the Youth Fast/ Mercy March was not only an incredible learning experience for the young people involved. It also provided them with the opportunity to give of themselves sacrificially for the benefit of persons often much older than themselves.   This created an important connection between two groups in our community who are often perceived as being rather disparate.“

The fast culminated with a celebratory supper at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, prepared by their “Chefs of Chaos” with support from Nativity Lutheran and Rockland Congregational volunteers.  Prior to the breaking of the fast, the list of 100+ names in whose memory donations had been made was read aloud.  RDNA Agency Director, Peta vanVuuren, stated “we are extremely proud of the youth who marched on our behalf, most thankful to Thomaston Baptist Church for taking the lead and welcoming us with open arms, and grateful to the many who lent a helping hand.”

For the past 80+ years, RDNA has continuously served as a link in the community safety net, focusing on individuals who might otherwise not have access to care and stepping in when Medicare/MaineCare benefits run out.  RDNA has been sustained through the generosity of this community.  Serving Warren, Union, South Thomaston, Owls Head, St. George, Cushing, Thomaston and Rockland, RDNA regularly sees close to 300 predominantly elderly residents either in their homes or at monthly blood pressure clinics.  Together with the Rockland Police Department and community health partners, RDNA hosts community unwanted medication collection events and public health trainings.  Without federal/state funds or insurance reimbursement, RDNA relies on gifts and contributions to cover 70% of the annual operating costs, so that $0.93 of every dollar returns to the community in service.  RDNA is a 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information, please call the RDNA office (594.4522) and join RDNA on Facebook.