April 2003 - Tower - Page 2
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Church and Society
Russell Fox, Captain
There was once a time when having a church in the neighborhood was considered an asset. However, with urban areas becoming more densely populated, and churches becoming quite large, the sentiment is changing. Some churches with gymnasiums, and a vigorous athletic program which extends throughout the week, are facing opposition from neighbors because of expected increase in traffic and difficulties with parking. So we find the NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) syndrome growing with opposition from the community to church expansion of activities.
Of course, NIMBY is not limited to churches, but other situations affecting society. For instance, social service organizations have difficulties in providing group homes for youth who have violated some minor law and are paroled under supervision. This program is an alternative to placing these young persons in prison for some misdemeanor. People do not want these homes in their "backyards."
There is another area which affects our
society and which gives a unique
opportunity for the church to provide a
ministry. This ministry is for persons who
have a development disability. The United
Methodist Church is addressing this
problem through a program of providing
"Heart Havens." These are homes situated
in the various districts for adult persons with
mental retardation, and other developmental
disabilities. Licensed by the Virginia
Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services, they are also
approved by the Internal Revenue Services
to provide tax deductible contributions.
Currently, there are nine homes in full
operation: two in Virginia Beach, one each
in Powhatan, Kilmarnock, Colonial Beach,
Stuarts Draft, Waynesboro, Richmond and
Winchester.
Plans are being developed to provide a Heart Haven home on the Peninsula. In 1996, the United Methodist Men of the Virginia Annual Conference accepted the opportunity to serve those who are considered the "least of these" by these homes.
In 2001, the Peninsula District of the United Methodist Men accepted the challenge to raise $325,000 toward our district's first Heart Haven Home. To date, UMM have raised more than $160,000 toward their goal. The assistance of all our churches and their members is needed to meet this challenge.
Our church is looking for someone to serve as "Heart Haven Representative." Interested persons may contact our pastor, John LeGault.
The proceeds from our last midweek fellowship totaled more than $700. The challenge is for all of us to cooperate in this endeavor with both our prayers and our money. Designate Heart Haven on your church envelope to help First United Methodist Church become a prime supporter of this important ministry.
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: April 29, 2003