jbulger@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - Jacqualine "Big Momma" Thomas and Jim Jones have a problem in the form of a multitude of blessings.

Thomas is the exquisitely stylish pastor of the nondenominational Praise Temple of God. Jones is the pastor of Blazing Grace, with a congregation composed mostly of motorcyclists. Although their styles are very different, the two share the facility at 653 N. 11th Ave. Their respective congregations have flourished in recent times, necessitating an expansion project on the building to accommodate worshippers.

A bid has been recently been received for $150,000 from a local contractor to expand the facility. Now the combined congregations are busy planning how to raise the funds.

A carnival held last weekend was enthusiastically attended, Jones and Thomas said, and raised about $1,000. More fundraising events will doubtless follow.

"I'm sure we'll be having raffles and dinners as well," Thomas said. "We're stepping out on faith, believing God is going to supply the funds for us to build."

The planned expansion will include an extension of the sanctuary, two pastoral offices and bathrooms.

"We definitely have outgrown it," Thomas said. "We started out with just three people (two years ago). We're close to 50 to 75 now."

Jones' congregation has also grown.

"We're working to take a wall out and expand because we're both busting at the seams," he said, noting his followers number 40 to 60 each week.

The church currently seats about 50 people, some of whom have to sit back in the kitchen area.

Jones notes that his biker congregation will expand come winter.

"Even with (some of them) being gone, we still fill the place up," he said.

For those who embrace examples of Christian ecumenism, the possibility of seeing "Big Momma" Thomas in a smart dress and matching hat, and Jim Jones in his biker leathers, standing together as one, is reason enough to attend the church's future fundraising events.