Church members look to continue pastor’s legacy after untimely passing through ‘Blessing Bags’

After almost seven years serving as the pastor of the Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Berlin– a congregation was left heartbroken when Pastor Matt Trask passed away suddenly, just shy of his 50th birthday. Months after the devastating loss church members were looking for a way to continue his legacy of helping others in the community.

"He wanted us to reach out to the homeless, to the police department, and to the sheriff's office to see what their needs were," said elder Carol Neal.

A short time later, their prayers were answered. After receiving a grant for 5 thousand dollars– church members set out to ignite their congregation to help the homeless. A mission their pastor was always passionate about. 

"At that time we really needed igniting, we needed something and putting all Matt's input in my brain came out these blessing bags," said Neal.

That's when the congregation put together not one, not two, but 300 blessing bags filled with non perishables, first aid kits, soap, tooth brushes and more for the homeless men and women in the area donating many to local homeless shelters in Worcester County.

"It was igniting, and it was something our congregation needed at the time because with losing our pastor we've kind of been a little bit floundering," said Neal.

Officers from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Berlin Police Department also helped with the Blessing Bag project. They loaded their cars and trunks with bags as well.

"They realized that we get to go ahead and see people at their worst and at that time of need, and say we have blessing bags for you to go ahead and give out to the different individuals in need and we said that's a wonderful idea," said Berlin Police Department Sheriff, Arnold Downing.

And church members say no matter the mission. big or small, they'll continue to serve the community to make sure Pastor Trasks' legacy lives on forever.