Rutherford Weekly

It's a church your dog can attend. It's a church you can ride your Harley to attend, although most folks don't. The church house at 245 Big Springs Avenue in Forest City is "come as you are," with an emphasis on the attending Holy Spirit, the promises of Jesus always coming true. They call it The Biker Church, but you don't have to be a biker to attend. They've called a new minister. "I turned my back on God one time when my mother died," Rev. Chris Mellon said of a spiritual journey that has brought him to be newly called by the Forest City congregation. "I thought it was wrong of Him to take her when I loved her so much. But He took her because He loved her and wanted to end her suff ering." Although he was saved at 27, the newly called preacher said he walked away over grief from losing his mother. His girlfriend begged him to get back in church. He kept making excuses to stay away. "Finally I gave in and the preacher was preaching, guess what? The prodigal son. I said, 'Okay, God, I get it. I see what you're doing.'" There's been no more walking away since. The prodigal son is the story of a son returning to his father, just as Mellon was returning to church, to his heavenly Father. He did not take it as coincidence. Roger Buese (rhymes with easy,) an ordained minister and part of the church's board said a new day is beginning for the church which was organized seven years ago, but now it is reorganizing for a time without Covid19. In person services have returned with masks and social distancing. Buese said they have a big sanctuary and attendance has been as low as seven. "It's not hard to practice social distancing." Buese, has been attending the church services for fi ve years and especially appreciates that he can sometimes bring his dog. Buese was ordained 52 years ago after three years at Vanderbilt's seminary. Mellon is a graduate of Fruitland Bible College and has served one Baptist Church in Virginia before coming to Forest City. He is a regional manager with Walgreens in addition to his church work. "I'm excited about the opportunities in Forest City," Mellon said. Buese said he has visited a number of churches locally, but fi nds The Biker Church congregation dresses more casually than most local churches. He also said the congregation is from a diff erent socio-economic class. Buese also said lunch is served after each service and food is distributed to disadvantaged people in the community. He said sometimes local teenage boys show up for lunch without attending the worship service. He said they're welcome. N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES SERVICE PARTS PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! ASK ABOUT 0% INTEREST SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY, BIG TIME RESULTS ISSUE NO. 31 •August 6, ISSUE NO. 31 •August 6, 2020 • 2020 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 Our 28 th Year IN GOD WE TRUST! IN GOD WE TRUST! Article by Pat Jobe Article by Pat Jobe ©Community First Media Community First Media 719 S. Broadway, Forest City Right off Exit 182 from US74 SOCIAL DISTANCING AND SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FACE MASK REQUIRED FACE MASK REQUIRED 828-229-3123 828-229-3123 12-6PM MON-SAT 12-6PM MON-SAT WE HAVE CBD FLOWERS WE HAVE CBD FLOWERS (NEW STRAINS) (NEW STRAINS) PUFF BAR, BIDI STICKS PUFF BAR, BIDI STICKS & SKATEBOARDS & SKATEBOARDS Rev. Chris Mellon, new minister at The Biker Church in Forest City. New Preacher Begins Ministry In Forest City Ministry Behind Bars Changes Inmate Lives William Logan believes his running into Joan Robbins was preordained before the foundations of the earth. The two met at the Carolina Cafe while Logan was talking about a prison ministry in Spindale that had been graced by Joan's late husband, Phillip. Before his death, Joan's husband donated the brick to build the chapel on Ledbetter Road that is part of the Department of Corrections facility there. He also supported the ministry fi nancially, as he did for many good causes in Rutherford County. He also piloted a private plane that was often in service to others. "This has to have been preordained," Logan said as the two talked in a back corner of the restaurant. "Phillip loved doing for other people; and of course, loved helping with the prison ministry," Joan said. Logan says he does prison ministry because of changed lives. But what causes the change in their lives? He grinned and said the answer to that question is obvious. "Jesus. Jesus changes lives," he said. "Not rehabilitation, not restitution. Jesus changes lives." Such a simple formula, and yet a mystery to many who struggle with the name, the surrender, the belief, the confession. To those who have not yet crossed that line, the mystery can be baffl ing. Story continued on page 3. Church Welcomes Dogs And Bikers And Lots More Part of the congregation at The Biker Church in Forest City, who claim to be "gripped by a passion to love the broken, disgruntled, and lonely of this world; bring them a message of hope and the opportunity to have a real relationship with Christ," according to a statement from the church. Notice dogs are welcome. Loops of concertina wire discourage inmates from attempting escape at the Department of Corrections prison in Spindale. Prison Chaplain William Logan poses at the prison entrance. He has been volunteering there off and on since 1977. He is currently among three chaplains paid by the 096 Prison Chapel Ministry, a nonprofi t organization that pays them and encourages their work.

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