For 37 years, Love In the Name of Christ of Huntington County has partnered with local churches and individuals to reach the hurting and marginalized in our community.
During that time, there have seen many changes and as the saying goes, change is the only constant in life. From big changes, like moving into the old Bechstein’s building on Byron Street in 2001 or renovating the food pantry and transitioning to client choice, to small changes such as welcoming new volunteers into the fold or washing every item that is in the thrift store, each change brings a new opportunity.
This new year brought another change to the organization, a new name! Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, Love INC became known as United With Love of Huntington County. This change and removing of “In the Name of Christ” from the name does not signal a move from being a Christ-centered organization.
In fact, Executive Director, Erin Didion emphasized, “We could not do this work without Christ at the center and the Holy Spirit guiding our steps.” Rather, because the organization is no longer affiliated with the national Love In the Name of Christ organization, the name simply could not be retained.
In considering what name would best reflect who and what the organization is, the staff and board of directors looked to Scripture. It was important that the word “Love” remain in the name merely because that is how the organization is known to so many in this community. While the Bible has a great deal to say about love, inspiration was found in Colossians 3:14, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
“United With Love beautifully describes who we are; one body of believers united with love and in Christ to serve one another,” said Didion.
In addition to the new name, in the coming weeks a new mission statement and branding elements will begin being used. organizations annual fundraiser, Unity Feast, set for Sunday, March 12, a new logo will be revealed.
While these new changes mark a significant change for the organization, Didion wants to be clear, “God is still directing our steps at United With Love! While a name and new logo will make things look different on the surface, at our core we are still the same organization following Jesus’s perfect example of loving our neighbors.
“Our ministries will not change. United With Love will still seek to partner with our local churches and community members to connect and serve those who facing hardship and hurting in our community.”
