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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
November 2001 |
 |
Plenty of thanks passed around at Asbury Chapel |
By Matthew Oates
- Asbury Chapel UMC, Vincennes District
- Pastor: The Rev. Doug Witt
- Members: 60
- Average Attendance: 38
- Location: Ragsdale Road
RAGSDALE, Ind. -- As we approach Thanksgiving, one North Indiana elder will once again thank the Lord for his appointment in southern Indiana.
The Rev. Doug Witt is continually thankful for feeling the love, acceptance and excitement from the members of Asbury Chapel UMC about his time there since January 2000. "It's been a good match."
For a two-year period, the church functioned without a pastor. They had several visiting pastors, lay and speakers, but no pastor. And then Witt received a call, prayed about it and decided to add that to his other church-related job as Vincennes University's campus minister.
"I continue to learn new ways of inviting the people of the church into the worship service," says Witt.
And when he invited people to share, Asbury Chapel's gifts and talents poured out. Poems, small stories for the kids, songs, and testimonies have come from the various members' mouths and hearts.
Asbury Chapel is starting to see the fruits of their labors and gifts from God. Sunday school has been revitalized for all ages. An intergenerational class and children's programs have been established. A fall festival is in the works to allow the community to come together to celebrate, have fun and eat some good home-cooked food. "Come Home for Christmas" will be launched this month to re-connect the community for the holidays and the other Sundays of the year.
The church was organized in 1847 in Knox County. John Horn, who was a pioneer came to the area in the 1830s, donated the land. The community cemetery is located next to the church, which has a simple red-brick sanctuary and social hall and a small bell tower that points towards the heavens.
Established on a hill, overlooking several large farms, fields and houses, the current building, which houses the sanctuary and several rooms was built in 1887. A social hall and new kitchen was completed in 1987.
The church also has a wrought iron gate that rises out of shrubs and a red-brick wall that welcomes you if you enter along Ragsdale Road. And it tells you matter-of-factly that you're at Asbury Chapel and it's been there since 1847.
Three trademarked UMC signs which point you along several county roads from State Road 67 not only lead you to the church, but also to a community that contains only houses and a post office. "It's pretty hard to miss the church once you get there," Witt says.
And the members have worn well-traveled paths to get there on a regular basis. With ages ranging from the 90s to 1, there are families that have attended Asbury Chapel for generations. It's a typical country congregation in the fact that families have long ties to the church, remarks Witt.
But with the diversity in ages and thoughts, their common ties with Christ are reflected in their thoughts and beliefs.
Between the worship and Sunday school is a small break of time when the church can come together and socialize. Quips Witt about the transition time: "The coffee pot's on in between."
Last updated on 01/14/2004