Church may provide shelter again

Second Presbyterian Church could again offer sanctuary and shelter to those who need it if an agreement between United Community Ministries and the New Hope Presbytery goes through.

First off, we’d like to laud both groups for even considering the idea. This goes beyond wanting to help people and into the calculations of how to provide the most benefit to as many people as possible. That goes to the heart of being a good steward of the gifts each individual and organization has at its disposal.

If such an agreement can be reached, United Community Ministries would be able to expand its outreach. The completed project would increase the number of families who can use emergency shelter. Executive Director Chris Battle said it also would increase space for volunteers to work, along with allowing the group to offer more computer and GED classes and job placement assistance to the community.

A decision on the transfer of property is excepted in February. We encourage the group to seriously consider offering this property to United Community Ministries. The former congregation saw the work done by the group firsthand when Executive Director Chris Battle used part of the church earlier for an outlet store for Bassett Center residents.

Before the church closed its doors, the congregation was no more than 40 members. This deal offers the potential to help many more people than that.