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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
July 2002 |
Country Church:
Hopewell springs eternal, even with Red Wings
By Matthew Oates
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RURAL FRANKFORT, Ind. -- You could say the Rev. Judy Snyder Stout is on a Blues Brothers-style mission from God: she's looking for a whitewater raft.
She's not planning on rafting down the Wabash River or Wildcat Creek, or even being set adrift in the sea of corn and soybeans that surround the church. She needs it for Vacation Bible School as part of the Grand Canyon theme that will pique the interest of area kids for 2 « hours, five days a week in mid-July. "It's amazing the different things they do," says Rev. Judy, adding that following up on a raft lead would be high on her list of things to do when we talked to her.
In addition to the rafting experience, a carnival and celebration day will be held for the church families. "That's a lot of fun."
The church is not in any town; it's just there at 3460 E. Clinton County Road 500 North, in the middle of homes and fields. It has an adjoining cemetery and still celebrates its agricultural roots and area heritage. The members come from about a five-mile area surrounding the church. "A lot of them grew up at that church."
The building is in great condition at about 70 years old. The pulpit and altar rise slightly over the 11 rows of pews, which are graced by solid-color stained glass windows. Rev. Judy and the congregation believe it is a beautiful sight to see in the early mornings: "The colors are just gorgeous," exclaims Rev. Judy.
Besides praising an awesome God and worshipping in a great house, it's the little things that also help the service and allow the congregation and pastor to continue to grow. Rev. Judy changes the flower arrangements in the church: "That's a joy for me.the little odds and ends, some of it's physical and some of it's spiritual."
The church does several Bible studies throughout the year, special programs at Advent and Lent, special community events such as a chicken and noodle dinner, and supports one another when needed.
In addition to a raft, the Hopewell folks are the proud home of the "Red Wing Christians," the church's youth group for 10-- to 13-year-olds. When asked whether it's because of the shoes they wear or if they are avid followers of the 2002 Stanley Cup champions from Detroit, Rev. Judy can't explain the name. "That's what they wanted to call themselves."
Last updated on 01/14/2004