Payson Interfaith Council celebrates new status

r By Miriam Hawkes Boatright

Payson’s Interfaith Council meets every month, but the meeting on June 26th was historic. After serving the community for several years the council is now an official nonprofit organization with 501c3 status. The Interfaith Council sponsors and plans the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast during September’s Onion Days and raises funds each February for Payson’s Helping Hands Coalition. With the new legal status, the council can stretch Payson citizens’ generous donations and service even farther as they try to relieve suffering and strengthen families.

In addition to raising funds for charity, the council wants to improve advertising options for each of the different churches to share their needs, news, and service events so those who might not be aware of them can be better neighbors. Watch for more opportunities in this cooperative effort, where the strength of people working together is so much greater than anyone standing alone.

The Interfaith Council wants support from people of all faiths, or no faith. Currently, five different denominations participate on the Council: San Andres Catholic Parish (with the Knights of Columbus), Hope Baptist Church, Payson Bible Church, Christian Life Assembly of God, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.