April 19, 2015
Since it was first occupied in 1973, New Horizons Manor has been almost next door to our church building. Designed to accommodate residents with disabilities, New Horizons Manor is managed and maintained by the Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority.
Through the years our church has had various levels of connection with New Horizons and its residents. We have often had attenders who lived there, our long time Ladies prayer group met there for a period of time, we have had personal ministry with some residents and in more recent years, we have lead Sunday worship services there. For a period of several years, Pastor Pablo preached there every Sunday afternoon. Currently we have a monthly worship service lead by Pastor Dude and supported by Wanda, Margaret, Harriett, and Milton (who plays the guitar for group singing).
We are not the only church who has had ministry at New Horizons. Through the years other churches have come to New Horizons with service, Bible study, ministry and worship. However, at present, as far as we know, our church is the only one offering regular worship opportunities. Even weekday Bible studies have dissolved.
Last Sunday as we arrived for afternoon worship, for the very first time, no residents came. So, those from our church who were there discussed options to consider for further ministry at New Horizons. One thing seemed apparent; few people living at New Horizons feel the need to gather monthly for a Sunday afternoon worship time. So, we should probably consider a different kind of ministry. Another observation is that Phyllis, the lady at New Horizons who is in charge of serving food at social events, very much needs and appreciates our help with serving. We could do better at helping Phyllis.
One other opportunity that came up in our conversation was the party held each month to celebrate resident’s birthdays. This might be one area where we could help Phyllis and also get to know and serve the other residents of New Horizons.
In the end, our touch with New Horizons depends on folks in our church who have Jesus’ kind of love for the people who live there. We really do not need to develop a program for New Horizons, we simply need people who love the residents there and who want to find a way to share that love. We do not need everyone in our church to do this, but we do need some in our church who feel called by God to put love into action for the residents of New Horizons. Might you be one of those people? If so, let me know and we will discover together how the Lord can use us there.
Your Pastor,
Dude Garrett
