Dexter, Missouri - In this Christian Scriptures, Bethany was a place dear to Jesus’s heart. It was a town known for welcoming strangers, helping the poor, and showing hospitality.

The congregation of First United Methodist Church hopes that their new ministry, Bethany, will live up to its ancient name. The ministry will provide basic hygiene and cleaning products to anyone in need throughout Stoddard County.

The Bethany Ministry will celebrate its first day of ministry on October 10 from 10 am until noon.

It operates out of the church located at 501 South Walnut Street.

Bethany will open every second Tuesday of the month from 10 until noon and every fourth Tuesday of the month from 4pm-6pm.

Bethany began as an idea that came about when congregants at First United Methodist began brainstorming about what the needs were in Dexter.

“We wanted a way to serve Christ by serving others,” said Pastor Ron Beaton, “We knew that Christ wanted us to help those in need, but we wanted to make sure we did not do something that another congregation was already doing.”

After a few meetings and a few more prayers, the congregation decided that hygiene products were a need for everyone, and a need that was not being met in the community.

“After one planning meeting,” Beaton said, “you could sense the enthusiasm for our new ministry. The congregation was excited to serve the community in this way.”

The congregation took a room in the Education Building and transformed it into Bethany.

Adorned with bright welcoming colors and stocked with a panoply of products, the room is prepared for its first guests.

“Like Bethany in the Bible, we wanted a space that was welcoming and comfortable. We want people to feel like our guests, rather than just recipients,” Beaton said.

If anyone is interested in helping support Bethany, the congregation is accepting financial donations as well as unused soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, hand soap, razors, shaving cream, lotion, diapers and wipes, Ziploc bags, tissues, laundry detergent, dish detergent, toilet paper, and paper towels.

For information you can call the church at (573)344-3344.