Church Buzz

St. John’s Lutheran is a small country church with a big heart for veterans.

Pastor John Stirewalt tells me that they have a big cookout on Saturday, Sept. 29 to honor veterans at the Central Midlands Regional Veterans Retreat behind the Sheriffs Department.

It is a temporary home for homeless veterans with drug, alcohol or mental health issues. It is funded through the VA and administered by Christ Central Ministries.

John Kulp, the director, said it’s a two-year program for residents. While there, they get help stabilizing themselves, learn some basic computer and internet job search skills, complete online job applications and learn to interview for a job.

The goal is to help each one find a job, a place to live and a vehicle to get to the job.

The men come from the streets, hospitals and some from incarceration.

Currently 80 vets are living in 5 cottages there.

The men’s group at the church loves the Lexington community and wants to be beneficial to the local residents. Three members of the church council, Richard Taylor, J.J. Jones and Ashley Rawl were looking for a worthwhile project and someone suggested a cookout for the veterans.

BBQ chicken, baked beans, slaw, dessert and beverages will be served at the Veterans Retreat so St. John’s members can talk with the residents, build relationships and minister to them.

The main theme will be to honor these men who served in the US military to protect freedom and our way of life.

Got a church or ministry I should write about? Email chuck1946@hotmail.com