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Club of Alexandria presented Bethesda Follower of the Lamb award

060623/02

Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a leader in the field of developmental disability service, has announced that the Bethesda Board of Directors recently awarded the YES Club of Alexandria, Minn., the Bethesda Follower of the Lamb Award.

YES Club (Your Everyday and Forever Savior) brings people with developmental disabilities and volunteers together once a month for fun, fellowship and learning about Jesus.

The club allows people with disabilities the opportunity to learn about Jesus and build relationships with others. It has also raised awareness within area congregations and the Minnesota North District about the need to reach out to people with developmental disabilities and include them in the church.

The award was presented to the YES Club during worship services at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minn. Rev. Wade Meyer of Good Shepherd Lutheran accepted the award from Jeanne Dicke, Bethesda Parish Ministry Consultant for Minnesota, on behalf of all the YES Club volunteers and participants who were present and recognized at both worship services.

“YES Club guests all know that Jesus loves them and that He died on the cross for their sin,” says Rev. Meyer. “They know that they belong in God’s house. They love going to YES Club where they have Bible lessons, sing songs of praise, and pray to Jesus. They’re glad that God’s house is a place for all people.”

The YES Club, begun in 2003 and led completely by volunteers, promotes inclusion by giving volunteers the opportunity to get acquainted with people with developmental disabilities.

“YES Club fosters understanding and caring relationships between guests and volunteers, which then facilitates inclusion and creates a more welcoming environment in area churches” says Dicke. “This is a grassroots effort led by some very dedicated volunteers. The relationships built at YES Club extends beyond the actual meetings and into the community as people meet one another at restaurants and other places.”

Dicke reports that as a result of attending YES Club with the people they provide services for, some staff members were moved to join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria because they saw it was a church that truly cared for people.

“This is a model of ministry that is fun and non-threatening to staff who may be uncomfortable in a traditional church,” says Dicke. “As a result, they’re more likely to bring individuals to the YES Club, and the church then has the opportunity to present the Gospel to the individuals with disabilities.”

“Through the YES Club individuals with developmental disabllties in Alexandria and the surrounding community are hearing the Good News that Jesus loves them,” says Dicke. “They are building friendships and creating a better understanding of disabilities, all of which supports their inclusion in the church and community. By supporting this ministry, the congregation is setting an example of Christian love and acceptance that is a witness to the community.”

The purpose of honoring people or groups like the YES Club with the Bethesda Follower of the Lamb Award is to thank them and motivate others to use their God-given talents to enable individuals with developmental disabilities achieve the maximum of their potential. The Follower of the Lamb program recognizes and thanks Lutheran congregations, organizations and individuals who have provided a significant service or demonstrated a sincere love and concern for people with developmental disabilities through Christ-centered education programs or activities.

Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., has provided services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families for over 100 years. Through its residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops, Bethesda offers services to thousands of individuals, congregations and service providers throughout the country and throughout the world.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 1.800.369.4636, ext. 4439 or email pr@blhs.org.