JCM program celebrates 10-year anniversary
Over 15 years ago, when Bill Truebenbach began working with Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM), there were 30 programs. Today, we have more than 160 programs across the country.
These programs consistently welcome new members and train new volunteers. Our JCM programs support congregations as they reach out to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and communities.
Each new member and volunteer ensures the future of a JCM program. The JCM programs of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church recently took time to celebrate a decade of JCM in Beaver Dam, WI.
In observation of their 10-year anniversary, Good Shepherd hosted a special Worship at the Cross service during its two regular Sunday services on October 1, 2017.
The services were co-led by Pastor Collin Vanderhoof and JCM National Director Pastor Joel Gaertner. For the anniversary devotion, Pastor Gaertner used Psalm 126:3. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” A JCM anniversary is an opportunity for the program and congregation to pause and remember what God has done.
“It’s a ministry that is a blessing,” said Pastor Vanderhoof.“After the services, several people told me how neat they think the program is. It really helped our congregation get a sense of what’s going on and taking ownership.”
The JCM program, which began in 2007, was started with the help of two key volunteers, Marianne and Gene Miller, along with JCM consultant Bill Truebenbach and now-retired Pastor Curt Mau. The Millers are still involved today and enjoyed being able to celebrate the occasion with members of their congregation.
“The services were exactly what we do for our JCM services,” Marianne explained, “and we were able to enjoy a cake after the services.”
Since the Millers have been involved from the very beginning, it was easy for them to know when the 10-year mark was coming up. In fact, Marianne suggested the event to Pastor Vanderhoof over a year ago. JCM volunteers and church leaders should discover their own program histories to not miss any potential celebrations.
“Celebrating a JCM anniversary not only gives God’s people the opportunity to thank Him for His blessings and consider how they will carry on the work of JCM,” Pastor Gaertner explained. “It also gives the program an opportunity to be highlighted in front of the whole congregation and raise the awareness of the ministry that is being carried on.”
Currently, the Beaver Dam JCM program varies between 10 and 30 attendees at each event. The group meets three times a month, twice for Bible study and once for a Worship at the Cross service.
“Our main goal was not to teach Bible history or memorize bible passages but to help students develop a relationship with Jesus,” Marianne explained.
To make certain that there will be another celebration at the 20-year mark, Pastor Gaertner’s devotion addressed the future of the program. It is important to look for who is going to carry on the work which has begun and utilize the opportunity to find volunteers to follow the current ones.
Mark down important dates for your own JCM program! Anniversary celebrations not only recognize the program and its leaders, but highlight the program in front of the entire congregation! To begin planning an anniversary celebration, contact JCM@tlha.org.