Participants of the Friendship Ministry are paired with a buddy during each meeting.

At first glance, the atmosphere resembles most church services.  A second look reveals a group of people who ordinarily would not make it to church.

Melissa Moore decided to implement the Friendship Ministry, a national organization devoted to meeting the spiritual needs of people with intellectual disabilities, right here in Chester at the Chester United Methodist Church.

“Most of their physical and emotional needs are being met.  They have financial help, they have programs to help them with housing, and they have programs to get them to the grocery store, but their spiritual needs are never addressed,” Moore says. “We all have the same needs, and to overlook them because of their disability is a tragedy.”

The program pairs each participant with a buddy to make crafts, pray, do mini-dramas, have bible study, and then attend the Sunday evening worship service.

“Unfortunately, people often pity those who have special needs… I can’t tell you how many times one of our volunteers talks about how they receive so much more than they give.”

Pastor Marg Kutz says the service would not be the same without the “Friends” attending.

“There’s a sweetness and tenderness that seems to bring it out in everyone, and makes everyone more willing to receive God.  They are very honest and we’ve sure missed them over the summer.”

Moore says this program is not only an opportunity for the community to reach out and enjoy a friendship with someone they would not otherwise get to know, but it gives the members of Friendship Ministry a chance to be contributors to society and allows them to perform acts of mission to others.

“On a visit to a nursing home, the group brought flowers, cards, and wooden crosses to the patients.  You could clearly see the joy the group got from getting the opportunity to give.  They had so much fun and wanted to know when they could go again.”

Melissa’s husband, Ted, is active in the program and is amazed at what the program has taught him.

“I think everyone can learn from them.  They don’t ever judge anybody by looks, abilities . . . we should all be open and accepting to everybody,” Ted says.

Melissa adds, “Our church is complete only when it includes all of God’s children and when all people are seen as equals.”

The Friendship Ministry, which took a break for summer, will be active again beginning September 7 from 5-7 p.m.  Transportation will be provided if needed.  If you know someone who would like to be a part of this program, as a volunteer or “Friend,” you can contact the church office at 748-6006 and leave a message for Melissa Moore.

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