The Methodists of Norton Invite You to the Table of the Lord, Sunday, October 4, 2009 11:00 am at Norton United Methodist Church, 8th Street at Virginia Avenue (downtown , near the historic Norton Hotel)
Sunday, October 4, 2009 should prove to be a phenomenal day for the two Methodist congregations in the city of Norton. The first Sunday in October is observed by many Christians around the globe as “Worldwide Communion Sunday”, an occasion that highlights the unity and solidarity of all Christians.
While both Blackman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Zion, located on Kentucky Avenue and the Norton United Methodist Church on Virginia Avenue were organized in the late 1800’s the two congregations have never held a service of worship together. Sharing a common heritage and connection to the Wesleyan Revival of the 1700’s the congregations are very excited about getting together for worship.
“Throughout the world churches of all denominations, in all nations, in many languages, will all be celebrating the Lord’s Supper and this opportunity for fellowship with Pastor French and his congregation couldn’t come at a better time” says Pastor Ken Taylor of the Norton United Methodist Church. “We need this time to remember that our Lord suffered for us all. The most memorable verse in the Bible begins ‘For God so loved the world…‘ The Lord’s Supper teaches us all about the necessity of unity and fellowship.”
According to Blackman Chapel Pastor Todd French , the church was established in 1892. The Church first met in a private home which was located in the section referred to as “the bottom,” the coke oven section company homes, southeast of Park Avenue between the two major train companies east of the train depot. In 1914-15, the trustees of the Church purchased the parcel of land where the Church is located today. A small framed building was built on the land that was purchased from Norton Land and Improvement Company for $175, listed in Deed Book No. 32, page 8. The trustees at that time were James Foster, Nettie Brice, Lewis Banks, Jannie Foster, and W.O. Bradley. The Pastor was Rev. J.W. Jones. The Church was named Blackman Chapel after Reverend T.H.F. Blackman, who was a pioneer in Church expansion. “ Today the church is experiencing significant growth and has tripled in size during the past few years. Rev. French’s describes his vision “that the Church would seek, as its primary function, to fulfill the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus, in Matthew 28:19-20. The Church is called to be mission-minded reaching out to the neglected, the hurting, the lost and the unsaved. The church should minister to the whole man/woman physically, emotionally, mentally and most of all spiritually. This ministry is to be done within the church, in the community and in the larger society.”
Ken Taylor, a lay pastor, has been the leader of the Norton United Methodist Church for the past 18 months. “We have tried to fully embrace the mission of ’Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors’ and are continuing to learn new ways to reach out and serve the community. Each Sunday at 10:00 am we lead a worship service at the long term care unit at Mt. View Regional Medical Center. Recently we held a “Recovery Church” event for persons with substance abuse issues and we are host to the Norton Narcotics Anonymous Meeting. A support group called Norton NAMI was recently organized to provide assistance to friends and family members of persons with severe mental illness. We are blessed to have the opportunity to participate in various community ministries such as Vacation Bible School events and our members always are involved in the community Thanksgiving Dinner and the RAM event. For the past 31 years our music director, David Barker has led a community wide service called “The Festival of Lessons and Carols” with musicians and leaders from many regional colleges, schools and churches. Norton United Methodist Church is blessed by a rich history dating back over 100 years but our current challenge and mission is learning new ways to serve our community. We have received eleven new members this year and seven persons have been baptized. Our purpose is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The church is a welcoming place, where people find a sense of community, a sense of belong and purpose”
While many things continue to divide the people of our earth, the Methodists of Norton invite everyone to participate in this historic and significant experience. Pastor French will be preaching and singing along with the members of Blackman Chapel. There will be a fellowship lunch at noon and a service of Baptism at 1:30 pm.
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