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The new lift (right) at Benton Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana, is a  great relief to member Ruth Shaum. Using the lift instead of climbing stairs reduces the risk of falling for her husband Paul and cuts down Ruth’s worries. A lift is similar to, but lower in cost, than an elevator.

“My husband is almost 93 and getting wobbly on his feet,” Ruth admits. “I’m scared for him. He wants to go to church as long as he’s able.”

Becoming more hospitable  has been energizing for the congregation, noted pastor Brenda Hostetler Meyer. “We had talked about it for a long time and felt bad that we were so inaccessible. We were more and more aware that our steps were keeping people away,” Meyer continued. That growing awareness of the gap in their hospitality motivated the congregation to take action.

“Expanding Our Welcome” was the name the congregation gave to their renovation project. In addition to the lift, the project included an enlarged foyer and an accessible family restroom, which accommodates wheelchairs and anyone who needs assistance from a spouse or parent of the opposite sex.

A second phase will modify existing men’s and women’s restrooms for accessibility and add a fellowship hall on the level of the sanctuary.  

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View a slideshow of Benton photos below. Photos courtesy Hannah Gerig Meyer.

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