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Rejoicing Spirits Ministry receives Bethesda's 2006 Christian Service Award for Volunteers

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Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a worldwide leader in the developmental disability service industry, recently awarded the 2006 Christian Service Award for Volunteers to Rejoicing Spirits Ministry from Exton, Penn.

Bethesda honored award recipients from several categories at the 2006 Annual Banquet, held Nov.12, 2006 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. Each year, Bethesda presents its Christian Service Award for Volunteers to Lutherans who volunteer their time and talents to support individuals with developmental disabilities at the local, regional, state and denominational level.

Susan Crawford, along with the members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton, Penn., began Rejoicing Spirits Ministry in 2003 after recognizing the need for a worship experience that included individuals with developmental disabilities in congregational life. Their program includes music, meaningful messages and fellowship opportunities in a welcoming and accessible setting. Through the aid of their “How to Start a Rejoicing Spirits Ministry” manual, programs can now be found in several congregations in the Eastern United States.

“We are proud to award Rejoicing Spirits Ministry for their outstanding and creative work in sharing Christ’s message by including individuals with developmental disabilities in the life of the church,” says Dr. David Geske, president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. “Their talent and dedication are fine examples for others to follow. It is our hope that more congregations will follow suit and include individuals with developmental disabilities into the life of their own congregations.”

Other awards presented at the meeting included, the Christian Service Award for Professionals, the Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award and the Pool of Bethesda Award.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@blhs.org.