For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

On the south-side of the St. John United Church of Christ building is some handicap parking.  There are also some parking spaces for those who are NOT handicapped but are physically challenged to walk any significant distance.  There is a covered entrance where people can exit (or enter) under cover from the elements.   This covered entrance is close to the narthex and sanctuary, and after someone exits, the driver can then park the vehicle in a different location.  All of these things are important to allow people to come to worship.

Inside the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, people can find regular or enlarged bulletins, a sound system and hearing devices, pews for seating and cushions, and places where pews are cut-out for wheel chairs.  It is a way to include all people.

Assisting one from the south door entrance inside the building with a cane, walker, or in some cases into a wheel chair, is the job of our doorkeeper.  Our doorkeeper for several years has been William Chaney.  Bill has arrived at least one half hour early for worship to assist in opening the south doors and helping those who need assistance entering and exiting the building.  It's a quiet but important commitment and ministry at St. John United Church of Christ.

We thank Bill Chaney for his years of performing this service at St. John United Church of Christ.  Bill has stepped down from this position because of some unsteadiness, and he claims that he's not getting any younger.  Needed: One volunteer each Sunday at the South entrance of the St. John United Church of Christ.  If you would like to perform this service, please contact the Rev. Nirote.

Psalm 84 speaks of the joy of worship in the temple of ancient Israel.  For many of our members, there is that same joy of worship in our sanctuary on a Sunday morning, Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday.  When you see Bill, give him thanks for his service, which will make him happy.  If you can replace Bill in this ministry as the doorkeeper at St. John United Church of Christ, you will make him even happier.

Your partner in ministry,

Bill

The Rev. Dr. William R. Nirote