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Methodists go a-knocking

Ridge Manor residents can soak up kindnesses offered during a week of events with the "Celebrate Jesus" program.

By JEAN JOHNSON, Times Correspondent
Published June 10, 2006

The program is called "Celebrate Jesus'' and is in accord with the church's vision statement: "To awaken passion and equip people to share the gospel and reach neighbors for Jesus Christ."

The underlying theme is "showing God's love in practical ways - no strings attached."

The celebration begins today with team members going door to door and saying hello with offerings of small loaves of bread and information about the church. Team members will ask if anyone has a prayer request. The goal is to reach 500 families.

Bill Miller, 77, moved to Ridge Manor from Pennsylvania 24 years ago and began attending the church that very first Sunday.

"I have always been active at the church and have been treasurer for eight years and one of the trustees," said the married father of four sons and 10 grandchildren. "I think the event is going to be great. It's an awakening.

"People get laid back and forget the church activity in the community, especially the young people. They seem to forget the important things in life, the main one of which is to know Jesus. We'll try to make them more aware," Miller said. "Our church is one big family, and everyone cares for each other and helps each other whenever they can."

Celebrate Jesus is an organization of missionaries from the United Methodist Church who volunteer locally and abroad, said Joanne Ritz, the key leader of the event.

"They are brought into the church, fed, given a place to shower and sleep on church grounds," she said. "They partner with people in the church and go out and become missionaries to the community."

This is the church's second Celebrate Jesus event; the first was in 2002. It went well, "and the church was able to begin a children's program and get new members," said Ritz, 61.

"Our goal is to reach families with children and provide them with a family-type atmosphere in church," Ritz said.

The project includes about 25 volunteers who began planning six months ago. They became more intense over the last three months, Ritz said.

Local businesses have donated prizes, gifts and gift certificates, toys and door prizes.

"I hope this is the biggest party Ridge Manor has ever seen, and everything is free," said Pastor Debbie Nelson. "I'm hoping to bring retirees and young families out and show them we care and are reaching out to the kids of the community. We want to be a part of forming and shaping their lives, which is a wonderful thing to invest in these children."

The week's activities include coffee and doughnuts at the church, 34350 Cortez Blvd., from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, there will be an antique car show, an ice cream social and a DJ on the church grounds.

Other events will include the sharing of stories, church services, potluck meals and breakfasts.

One of the biggest days of the week is Friday. A Celebrate Jesus float will circle neighborhoods with goodies, and Friday night there will be a huge block party from 5 to 8 at the church.

Activities will include face painting, pony rides, a duck pond, a moonwalk, a self-defense exhibition, horseshoes, line dancing, free sodas and hot dogs, and a prayer tent. The youth group will run game booths.

Organizers of Celebrate Jesus are asking church members, visitors and friends to participate in prayer throughout the week.

"We need prayer, and ask everyone to pray daily for our mission," Nelson said. "We can't emphasize enough the importance of prayer. It is a key to the success of our mission."

[Last modified June 10, 2006, 08:26:22]