TogetherWeStand

Together We Stand Outreach Ministry

Together We Stand Outreach Ministry was founded by Pastor John O. Smith in September, 2000. The congregation began its worship in a store-front building in Richmond’s East End. The ministry is based upon the biblical scripture from Psalms 41: 1 “Blessed is he that considereth to the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.”

The ministry has Sunday school every Sunday morning, followed by the church service. The service begins with a congregation greeting, where all the members of the church turn to their neighbors and greet them, followed by a moment of prayer. Once the prayer is completed, the churches head deaconess announces the upcoming events and acknowledges the accomplishments of members of the church. She also takes a moment to thank any guest for visiting the church. The pastor then delivers a twenty to thirty minute sermon. Following the sermon, there is music and a time for the members of the church to approach the pulpit for a moment of silence and more prayer. The church service concludes with a benediction where “the doors of the church is open” for visitors to come to the alter and join the church.

Together We Stand Outreach Ministry describes itself as dedicated in not only serving the Lord but also as taking pride in serving the community, particularly in reaching out to the sick, hungry and poor. Every Sunday the ministry provides a bus that is driven by the pastor of the church so that residents from nursing homes will be able to attend the church service. Every first, second, and third Sunday after the church service the pastor and several members from the church go to a nursing home where another church service is offered for those who are not able to leave the building. The ministry also makes house calls and hospital visits, offering prayers for those who are ill. Finally, the ministry holds food and clothes drives, with proceeds given to the Richmond area homeless.

Although the ministry is small in number, its motto is that “Where two or more together in the presence of the Lord, you will still receive your blessing.” The members come from all walks of life. They range from lower to middle class families, along with residents from nursing homes. The members are allowed to dress casually for worship services in the belief that presence is much more important than appearance.

Together We Stand Outreach Ministry
2701-A Byron Street
Richmond, VA 23223

Profile prepared by Shenika Smith
August, 2007

 

 

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