Pastor Pondering (June 18)
Since at least the mid- 1980’s, Calvary Church has provided a ministry to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Frederick County. The church works with Community Living, Inc. to identify those who wish to take part in various church activities and special trips. The ministry is now called “Grateful Hearts.” Each Sunday, the church picks up the members of the class at their homes and brings to the church to share in a Sunday School class where they sing, go over a lesson and share with one another. After the class is over, they attend the worship together. The members participate fully in the worship service, often offering a loud “Amen” or offering prayer requests. After the service is over, they enjoy having refreshments in the parish hall and visiting with others in the congregation and then volunteers takes each person back to their various homes scattered around the city. From time to time, the group is taken on special outings as well.
The members of the class have greatly enriched the life of the congregation. The have strong ties to each other, to the teacher, the volunteers who help out and others in the church. Upon many occasions, they have helped the church learn the meaning of service to others and the joy that comes from following in the footsteps of Jesus.
During the summer, the Grateful Hearts group doesn’t have a Sunday School class or rides to the church. But it will start up again in September. This year we will be looking for some new people to help with driving the church bus, assisting with the pick-ups and drop-offs, planning the piano and organizing the Sunday School lessons. The volunteers who have helped in the past would be the first to say just this has been a rewarding experience. If. you would like to know more, Paulette Shockey-Petrucci, Margie Wilde and Bob Jacobs would be happy to tell you all about it.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Steve