SPIRE, or Special People in Religious Education, held a church service at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the fusion room at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea.

The service started with music and a sing-a-long of several songs.

The object lesson was based on 1 Peter 4:10. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms. The object was to teach the need for others and service. Diane Hanson and Judy Raatz’s gave the lesson.

The Rev. David Hernes gave a message and acted it out like he was Peter, with Simon Peter telling Jesus what he had done.

The service closed with Libby Seiffert, singing the tune of “Bringing in the Sheaves” to using the names of the disciples and teaching the song to the participants.

The evening ended with fellowship and refreshments.

SPIRE is hosting a concert at Calvary Baptist Church, 2016 N. Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The entertainment group is called Sent. An offering will be taken and also refreshments after the concert.

SPIRE is looking for volunteers and also if you have someone who would like to come to SPIRE Church and have fun. Call Lynn Hendrickson at 377-7053 for more information.

 

About SPIRE

Special People in Religious Education (SPIRE) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is governed by a small group of volunteers whose mission is to furnish spiritual training and fellowship to people with developmental cognitive delays.

Unique to Freeborn County, SPIRE’s ministry provides an environment where its partakers experience the love of God in an atmosphere where one quickly recognizes; that they are among friends who care.

Since 1969, SPIRE has been able to accomplish this one-of-a-kind commission solely supported by the generosity of others. Contributions from individuals, area churches and other organizations have made it possible for SPIRE to extend monthly church services, and to hold two concerts a year; one held in the spring and the second in the fall, and an annual picnic to its participants.

Worship services are held at Crossroads Church on 3402 Hoeger Lane in Albert Lea on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and are open to anyone with cognitive delays beginning at the age of kindergarten and their families.

SPIRE’s upcoming 2012 fall concert, which is open to the public, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church, 2016 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea and is featuring the local praise band Sent. Donations will be accepted. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

While some volunteers give their time, others give their talent, or treasure; however all have answered the call to be the ministering hands to those with developmental cognitive delays.

SPIRE is always in need of more help. Interested parties can contact Lynn Hendrickson at 503-377-7053. For financial contributions contact Diane Hanson at 373-8584. To receive SPIRE’s monthly newsletter contact Judy Raatz at 373-2795.