"With His Hands" Ministry
Press Release
The Republican - 15 July, 2009
Church members extend helping hand
SOUTH HADLEY - Carpenters, plumbers, painters and electricians who are members of Second Baptist Church have done mission work as far away as Louisiana and South Carolina.
But they have now decided to turn their attention to projects closer to home and have adopted the Shutesbury Community Church in Shutesbury as their first major, local building project. The group has also named itself "With His Hands Ministry."
"We are trying to be Christ's hands, helping the needy," the Rev. Donald Bradley, Second Baptist's pastor said during a recent interview at the church.
Built in 1827, the Shutesbury church disbanded four years ago when its membership dwindled to two elderly people. In the interim, its physical structure has continued to deteriorate.
The South Hadley group has shored up its foundation and recently had a marathon working session with about 40 people. Such work as sanding and painting are in the works. Work by the Hands group as well as by volunteers in Shutesbury is expected to run into the fall.
Both Second Baptist and the Shutesbury church are members of the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts. A group of Shutesbury people who would like to reconstitute a Baptist congregation at the church in that community are working closely with the contingent from Second Baptist.
"We are there to help people in need," Second Baptist member David A. Tetreault of Belchertown said.
Donations of money as well as time are needed as materials are estimated at $40,000. Experience in the trades is not a requirement.
"Talent is not a requirement, just a desire to help," Tetreault said.
Kathryn A. Steve of Shutesbury, one of the people trying to revive the congregation, said mission work has a way of changing lives forever.
"You get a feeling that can't be described when you see the appreciation of people and the good you have done," Tetreault said. "It makes you look at life differently."
"It makes you feel good," said Robert I. Calkins, of Granby, a member of the Second Baptist group.
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