Folks on the Fringes: Ministering to the Marginalized

The Reverend Ken Cooper had a way of making scripture meaningful and actionable with instructions for how to care for our neighbors as ourselves. As an Episcopal priest, he served congregations primarily in Louisiana. His biographical sketch tells the story of his long winding journey to the priesthood and the projects he believed to be most meaningful in his parish ministry. His ministry to congregants and those outside the church walls was defined by his closing words at each church service - "Remember to clothe the poor, feed the hungry and love those who have no one but you to love them." After his retirement from parish ministry, Ken dedicated his time, energy and financial resources to the development of the St. Luke's Mobile Medical Ministry. His goal for this ministry was to provide basic medical diagnostic services to those in north Louisiana who had no access to healthcare. Fourteen years after his death, a collection of sermons encouraging ministry to the marginalized has been published by his family. Sermons from throughout the church calendar year are included with the designated scriptures noted. The story of his passion for this ministry and the continuation and growth of the St. Luke's project following his death is provided. All revenue from the purchase of this book goes directly to the St. Luke's Medical Ministry.

Indeed, Fr. Cooper would end all services with a special blessing having an admonition: "Remember to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and love those who have no one but you to love them." On All Saints Day, November 1, 2008, a specially designed stone bench with this blessing carved thereon was dedicated to him and placed in the garden area of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Lafayette, Louisiana where he served as Rector. Read and inwardly digest Ken Cooper's sermons. Feel and know that no one person is a detail to be ignored or overlooked.