Special ministry in Maryville:
Who will be laid at our gate?

By Rheta Murry

MARYVILLE, Tenn. - It wasn't difficult to locate participants of The Gate this Tuesday morning. One only had to follow the hammering sounds to the fellowship hall of Sycamore Tree United Methodist Church in Maryville District.

There, 11 young adults - some in wheelchairs - happily drive nails into small wood pieces as they build small toolboxes. Some manage the task themselves. Thor aims the small hammer at the nail and, showing his tenacity, doesn't stop until the nail is flat against the wooden surface. Every time he hits the nail, Thor misses at least twice.

Others, like Russell and Jennifer, hold the hammer while others supply the muscle power. Ellen Addy, a Home Depot employee, assists - as do a handful of volunteers, two staff members, and the executive director. Addy visits The Gate once a month, always bringing a wood project for the participants to complete and take home.

This program, called The Gate by most - Gateway to Independence by others - grew out of a desire to make a place for Russell and others facing the same challenges. Executive Director Jo Bennett, a former Maryville City Schools teacher for the visually impaired and blind, facilitates the program, open to disabled people ages 22-30.

It all started after Sycamore Tree's pastor, the Rev. Jeff Wadley, taught a lesson one Sunday morning from Acts 3. The story was about a lame man who was laid daily at the gate, called Beautiful, begging for alms.

"I asked the question, 'This week, who will be laid at our gate, and how will we respond?'" explained Wadley. "Two days later, The Daily Times had an article about the Gateway to Independence, which needed a place to call home." The congregation prayed about how they might respond, and Wadley invited Bennett to present the details.

"We could not say no, since we believed God wanted The Gate to be laid at our gate," Wadley said.

The church does more than provide quality space (a place that is "light and airy" and large enough for the group to do several activities at once, says Bennett). Three Sycamore Tree members serve as liaisons on the Board of Directors; other members volunteer during the Tuesday and Thursday sessions. At least once a year, the congregation hosts a "fishing day" in the pond behind the church. Wadley said his church receives "the joy of knowing that we are being used by God in his plan."

To help raise money for the program, Bennett said the participants are selling themed baskets for $30-$50 each. One basket includes items such as pretzels, a coffee cup, beef jerky, and a bottle of water. Another basket features bath salts, bubble bath, and lotion. The participants, sitting next to a long table, pack the items themselves, each inserting one item into the basket when it is passed to them. For more information on The Gate - or to purchase a basket - call Jo Bennett at (865) 680-6789.

Rheta Murry, a freelance writer in Friendsville, Tenn., will soon be a new member at Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

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