Maranatha House

Since November 2004, the former manse of First Presbyterian Church has been known as Maranatha House .  

FPC opened Maranatha House as an extension of the hospitality and sanctuary that the red doors of the Church symbolize.  After members of the congregation went out into the community, talked with people and community leaders, and created a community needs assessment, the House was opened and the church formed the first Narcotics Anonymous group with the help of a substance abuse counselor from Seymour.  The House has also become a place for growth of the Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-anon groups who have greatly enjoyed the ‘homey’ feel of the House.  

This project is supported by the congregation, the pastor, and currently serving elders.  Together, they periodically pray for and check in with support group members who utilize this building for the ongoing and long-term work of seeking healing for their addictions.

In addition to offering support group space, the congregation also constructed a garden labyrinth in Maranatha House's side yard.  Many people speak of the role spirituality plays in their healing process, and the labyrinth, which is a walking prayer, aids in the healing process.  To date, many people from the community, many unknown to the congregation, can be found walking the labyrinth in the early part of the day or in the evenings.  In general, Maranatha House and its ground are a place of hospitality and healing, and is open to the community for these purposes and others, such as retreats and meeting space for non-profit service agencies in the community.

Our hope is one day to have an expaneded substance abuse program, with on-site counseling and other healing services being provided.