The Gaines Park Assisted Living Ministry
began in October of 2001. This ministry was a vision of
Rev. Joe Williams, Associate Pastor at Kennesaw UMC for the laity to reach out
to those who were in Assisted Living situations and were unable to attend
church. Joe’s vision was to bring the church to them using the Lay Leaders at
KUMC.
The Christian Growth Sunday
School Class had been going on a monthly basis at 9:30 AM sharing their ministry
with Gaines Park doing their Sunday School lessons with the residents, before
Rev. Joe Williams vision for Gaines Park was developed.
The Covenant Choir (a small
choir who sings at the 8:30 a.m. service) was recruited to go to the facility on
occasion but Joe wanted more for them. He discussed his desire to have a church
service for those who wanted a Methodist service at the facility with Kay
Edmonds head of Kennesaw United Methodist Church lay speakers. She agreed to
organize a small church service to be given once a month to the residents.
After contacting the Director at Gaines Park to make some minimal plans, the
ministry began to grow. Lay Speakers were called upon to preach, Sunday School
members were called upon to help put a music program together and to sit with
the residents to help them hold their books and find the correct pages and to
sing with them. The residents welcomed us and the numbers began to slowly
grow. We now minister to almost 30 residents (from approximately 12 in the
beginning). Sometimes family members join us when they are visiting. We have a
sincere group of Kennnesaw UMC members who have made a consistent effort to be visible
which provides continuity for the residents. We have retired and local pastors
as well as our own Kennesaw pastors provide services as well. When available,
we serve communion to the residents.
Several of the ministries at
KUMC have stepped up to become a valuable part of the worship service at Gaines
Park. Over the past year we have had the adult & children hand bell groups,
individual solos/duets by KUMC choir members, and the children’s choirs to sing.
The Christian Growth Class has provided large print hymnals for the residents to
help them read. We allow time to visit with the residents after each service to
let them know we love them and care for them. This has been as important to
those of us who go and serve as it is to those who are served.
Joe’s vision has grown so
that now every Sunday a local church provides a worship service for the
residents. Currently Kennesaw United Methodist Church’s worship service is on
the fourth Sunday of every month. The service begins at 2 PM with all the
activities lasting approximately one hour.
If you or your Sunday School
Class would like to participate in this ministry you are invited to contact the
church office at 770-428-1543 for more information.
