This church has been around for a LONG time... It's over 150 years old. Some of the older headstones in the cemetery are dated in the 1850's and 1860's. I'm not sure the exact age of the building, but I'm guessing it was built in the 1880's, and the parsonage was probably built in the 1890's. Despite the age of the facilites, this small congregation has done a very good job in maintaining the building, offices, and parsonage, and adding functions that make a church attractive, such as a nursery with video feed, DVD and audio recordings for shut-ins.
The church has two services each week (Sunday and Wednesday). The pastor along with his assistants (a vicar, plus two student workers), visit four area nursing homes and conduct brief chapel services at each one. The church also has a weekly radio program that airs on a local AM station.
Perhaps the most unique outreach "ministry" the church offers (I don't really like using the term "ministry" in this context, but you get the idea) is an exercise program that is available to anyone in the community. Our church facility has a nicely equipped work-out room, complete with exercise bikes, treadmills, weights, rowing, etc.
With all of the functions the church has going on, you can image that the pastor keeps a rather busy schedule... Indeed he does. In fact, this is not his regular "day job"... He also has an executive position at the seminary. And here's the kicker: he is in his mid 70's!!! I would defy just about anyone half his age to keep up with this guy. He is absolutely amazing.
Stan
I'm so excited you're going to blog! Please post more often than I do. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, we're pretty new at this, but since Dana and Elise are the bloggers extraordinare with Facebook, I suspect they will be doing most of the blogging. (They will probably take dictation from me when I want to say something... ;-) )
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Stan