When Terry Conner went on a trip to Charlotte, she came back with a new mission for her church, 15th Street Church of God.
Conner and her daughter, Missy, took the Charlotte trip in 1996 with a group of people who had intellectual or physical disabilities.
“We had a good time. But when it came Sunday morning, time for church, all that showed up was us,” she said. “I came back and told my church, ‘You know, we are really failing our people with disabilities because there is not a faith-based program for them.”
Conner formed the “New Mission Class” and three mentally or physically disabled people from her church attended.
“We’re unique because we teach at their level,” she said.
Conner said she formed the lesson plan with a Bible written for teenagers and young adults.
“I taught it on that level and, working with my own daughter – she’s not living now – I kind of learned how to teach on a level for them,” Conner said.
Seventeen years later, the class still meets at 15th Street Church of God every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. With the help of two additional teachers, Shelby Hodges and Thelma Chauncey, New Mission Class has grown to 24 people, ages 28 to 86.
The class had its annual fall program last Sunday. With the accompaniment of a bluegrass band, the class performed six songs, three of them included sign language.
Kelton Columbus said ‘Amazing Grace’ was his favorite of the six songs he learned.
“It sounded good with all of us singing,” he said.
Lacey Allen performed a solo.
“I sung, ‘Lord, I lift your name on high.’ I got a standing ovation,” she said.
The performances and its audience have grown exponentially each year.
“I was amazed that the place was packed,” said Linda Boyd, a member of the class. “Over 300 people.”
Conner said the performances have helped the program grow by getting the word out. The group has performed at churches I Chocowinity, Edenton and Belhaven. They are open to performing anywhere they are invited.
Twenty members of the class now attend 15th Street Sunday services.
“I go to this church,” said Barbara Danport, a member of the class. “I like all of them.”
Brad Kooken is president of the Sunday school class. Each student has an active role in the group.
“My teacher’s real nice to me. She’s always there for me if I need something,” Kooken said.
Conner said the program is open to anyone with disabilities, including those who belong to other churches.
Lane Woolard attends Asbury United Methodist Church.
“After my preacher saw me sing, he said I could join the choir at our church. I said, ‘No, every Wednesday I’m right here,’” Woolard said.
Conner has been surprised by the capacity of all of her students to learn and understand the lessons. Those she assumed would have the most trouble grasping the information have often been the first with their hands up and answers to her questions.
“They’re very sincere in their prayer. They believe in God and when something’s not right, they want a prayer for that,” Conner said of her class. “They love each other and if one of them is out sick, it’s like one of our family members has gotten sick.”
To get involved with the New Mission Class, call Terry Conner at 945-1469 or 15th Street Church of God at 946-7771.