SOUP-ER BLESSINGS

            For the past several years, our youth have been preparing a soup lunch on Super Bowl Sunday and collecting donations for local food ministries.  We did that again this year on February 1 but this time was special.

          Early that morning, fire broke out about two blocks east of here in what old-timers call the Lyric Theatre and contemporaries call the Gandalf’s Restaurant building.  By 6:30 a.m. Main Street had been blocked off.  Still, despite having to negotiate an obstacle course, many people arrived by Sunday School time.  Some had to park a few blocks away and walk, and others had to contend with one police officer telling people we had canceled services.  Despite all this, we had an above average attendance at worship that morning!

          We also decided early on to share our soup with the firefighters and emergency personnel.  Pastor Mike located the fire chief and told him this so he could notify all his workers.  Several firefighters did indeed come in and join us for soup and coffee.  Our young people also took trays of soup bowls out to the fire scene until the soup ran out about 1 p.m.  By that time the emergency crews were beginning to leave the scene.

          Karrey Rhodes, our youth advisor, coordinated the luncheon.  Youth who participated in this special ministry included Daniel DeWitt, Tyler Engle, Krissy Cutter, Brynn, Brooke and Brenna Ishler, Megan and Jennifer Patton, Tyler Miller, Christian Eberly, Evan Schutz and Rob Rumburg.

          Bishop Knoche, when told of these events, called it “a fantastic story of the church at its best.”

WORSHIP FOR THE HANDICAPPED

 Unfortunately, as most us are aware, our building is not handicapped accessible.  Even those who get in the first floor may find climbing the stairs to a second floor sanctuary too daunting a task.  It is our dream that someday our building will be fully accessible, but that is not the case at present.
 We do offer closed circuit television so that persons in the fellowship hall and in the nursery area can watch services.  If you are unable to climb the stairs, you may worship in the fellowship area.  Hymnals and bulletins are available to assist you in participating.
 On communion Sundays, please let the welcomers and/or ushers know you will be worshiping downstairs.  They will see that you get a glass for the wine, and that the pastor is aware of your presence, so that he can bring you communion where you are.
 In the past, we offered occasional Sunday afternoon services in the fellowship hall, but these were suspended due to lack of participation.  If there is sufficient interest, they could be resumed.  Please let the pastor know if you would be interested in attending such services.
 The pastor does make regular visits to those who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend Sunday morning worship to bring them Holy Communion.  If you desire Communion at home, please contact the church office at 301-689-9244, and the pastor will work you into his schedule.