By GLYNIS HART
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SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Saturday, May 18, a very special prom night was held in Springfield. The King’s Table, a ministry for adults with developmental disabilities, celebrated prom at the Methodist Church, complete with supper, music and dancing.
“We had a great time,” said Mike Gibson, who shares the ministry with his wife Carol. “We had a about 60 participants come to the prom.”
Volunteers involved in the ministry prepared a feast: Swedish meatballs with gravy and noodles, steak rolls, mashed potatoes, baby carrots glazed with maple syrup, and many fabulous desserts.
The King’s Table is an outreach ministry from Life Fellowship, which is part of the FourSquare denomination. Based on the Biblical tale of King David’s hospitality to Mephibosheth, a grandson of Saul who was lame in both feet, the church invites adults with disabilities to participate fully in the life of the church.
“It is a very unique ministry in many ways,” said Mike Gibson. “I don’t know anything like this ministry.”
They meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from October to June at the Methodist Church in Springfield, but they also receive support from Life on Main and other area churches. Since the King’s Table started as a Bible study group seven years ago, it’s grown and grown.
“I don’t know if we’re going to fit in the Methodist church much longer; we may be looking for a new space.”
In June, they’re planning a trip to Mount Washington and Lake Winnipesaukee.
“We’re all going as a group,” said Gibson. “Everybody’s looking forward to that.”
Carol Gibson said they couldn’t have a better group. “When people talk about their ministries and the challenges they face, we feel so blessed,” she said. “These guys are who they are. They’re really fun-loving and they commit.
“Some volunteer in the children’s ministry, some help with the service.We have so many wonderful members and volunteers,” said Carol.
It’s important to people with developmental disabilities to participate and feel welcomed in the community, but they’re also an asset to the community. The Gibsons are glad to be able to bring them into the life of the church and teach them about Christianity.
“That’s why we love our pastors Dave and Cindy (at Life Fellowship in Charlestown),” said Mike Gibson. “They’ve been so accepting of those we’ve brought. They get to go to church there and experience a normal church experience. They have Sunday school, and this week we shared about the parables of Jesus.”
“We want to get out in the community as much as possible to share the love of God and be a witness,” said Mike.
“You know, everybody’s different anyway,” said Carol. “It says a lot for a church that everybody’s welcome.”
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