Great suggestions. Thanks!

Also try to get a Tri Mode(Digital + Analog, bigger service area) or try a tracfone, Pageplus or Locus CDMA(All three of those companies use Verizon service and have no contracts and no monthly fees)

......I live in a rural area not far from you. Cellphone coverage is spotty with the hills and deep valleys here. Have you considered a 1 time cost for a radio (CB) which would pick up on the first-responder/emergency channels? Check with your local fire department/ambulance people to see what the best options are and the legalities of choosing a channel before you jump on this boat.

As far as cellphones go, I think that if what you described existed most of us would have one! Is there a parishoner who would add a line to their Verizon family plan at $9.99 and the church could write a charitable donation receipt?

Trying to find a cell phone for the pastor of our little Church (Saint Mary's Church of Obernburg, NY) to take in the car for emergencies, with no contracts and no monthly fees, where prepaid minutes don't expire, if possible. Probably would only use to to call AAA auto club (their dedicated cell phone - through a company called Consumer Cellular - doesn't offer service anywhere around here).
Checked T-Mobile - they have no service here.
I'm pretty sure Verizon has at least digital service in the area.
Any suggestions? He's 78 years old and is on the road alone often in connection with his pastoral duties, and since this is a VERY rural area, we worry about him being stranded!
Grateful for any suggestions! (Church budget is rather limited)