SCRANTON — Each year as the Lenten season approaches, many Christians spend time thinking about what they’re not going to do — eat sugar, drink alcohol, binge watch shows on Netflix, scroll through their phones to the detriment of a good night’s sleep.
But, this year, City Lights Church in north Scranton collectively decided to do something positive, rather refraining from a list of negatives individually.
The congregation, which averages about 80 people in attendance at Sunday services, is working to raise $15,000 to offset medical debts for neighbors in Lackawanna County.
“The season of Lent is often marked by fasting and prayer, but an overlooked aspect of Lent is generosity and giving,” Lead Pastor Ben Hailstone said.
Lead Pastor Ben Hailstone stands at the pulpit of City Lights Church in North Scranton Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Behind Hailstone is a projection of how much money was donated to help families with medical debt relief. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A projection on the screen in the sanctuary shows how much money has been raised for the medical debt relief campaign at City Lights Church in North Scranton Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lead Pastor Ben Hailstone sits in the sanctuary of City Lights Church in North Scranton Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The church, with the approval of its board and members, is working with a unique nonprofit called Undue Medical Debt, founded in 2014 by two debt collectors with the goal of reducing the burden of medical debt.
The organization uses donations to buy large medical debts at a discount. Every $10 donated relieves $1,000 on average of medical debt for families in financial need.
Hailstone points out that, although churches often focus solely on meeting spiritual needs, meeting physical needs often speak of God’s mercy and grace to its recipients.
He credits church members, the community and local businesses for over $14,000 which has already been raised.
The nonprofit doesn’t target individual debts, but debt held within purchased portfolios.
Hailstone said although individuals are then notified their debt has been forgiven, their names are not disclosed to those who have donated.
“This is an opportunity to love our neighbors with no strings attached, bringing hope and freedom to those in need,” he said.
Lent, he said, is a season to embody Christ’s love through tangible acts of mercy.
Serving the marginalized
Sarah McKeown, a deacon at the church, recently spoke to the congregation about the benefits of helping people out with medical debt.
McKeown, who is also a physician assistant, said she enjoys her work but admits to working in a broken system.
“People are charged exorbitant amounts for life-sustaining medication and life-extending surgeries,” she said. “Nobody should have to choose between financial ruin and their health.”
McKeown said she expected many members of the congregation had personal experience with facing a challenging medical debt.
“This is a reality that happens here every day,” she said.
The church’s efforts to raise $15,000 for their Lackawanna County neighbors might seem overwhelming, she said.
“But, if we as a church feel overwhelmed by $15,000 as a group, imagine how crushing of of a debt that would feel to have hanging over your shoulder,” she said.
An added spiritual benefit, she said, is those who donate will never know who specifically benefited from their generosity.
McKeown said the last time she came before the church requesting money was in preparation for a missions trip to Haiti.
But, after that trip, she came back to the church with photos of people using filtration water bottles and benefitting from medical supplies provided.
That will not be the case at the conclusion of this effort, she said.
“The thing I love about this challenge is that it literally makes us take stock of our reasons for giving,” she said. “We get to love and serve Scranton’s most vulnerable and marginalized with no strings attached.”
Those who would like to know more about the fundraising effort or who wish to donate can visit: https://unduemedicaldebt.org/campaign/2025-lent-giving-campaign/.