Lord Placed Reverend Where He Needed Her

Sat., July 22, 2000

By Nina Culver nculver47@gmail.com

Open Bible Community Church, Third and Highway 41, Athol.

Congregation: The church has 28 members.

History: The church was founded 101 years ago. The building itself is nearly as old and first was used as a women’s prison building in Farragut State Park before being moved to its current location. The church recently changed its name and formerly was known at Athol United Methodist Church.

Services: 10 a.m. Sundays (265-9659)

Affiliation: United Methodist.

Spiritual leader: Rev. Joann Carter

Background: Carter, 55, has served the Athol Church for more than two years. It is her first position as pastor after an 18-year career as a certified public accountant. She also worked as a music minister for 15 years while living in California.

Reason for becoming a pastor: “Due to cancer and a small percent chance of survival, I prayed to the Lord to put me where he could use me most and best. He did.”

Favorite part of the job: “The close association of diverse persons, helping the needy, reaching out with prayer, and being God-centered, led, taught and consumed.”

The Bible’s most important message: “Love one another as God loved us first. The Ten Commandments are today’s rules and laws, not just ancient teachings.”

In other church news

The Unity Church of North Idaho at 4465 N. 15th in Coeur d’Alene has opened a labyrinth to the public. The circular maze is used as a form of meditation and the pattern has been in use for centuries.

The labyrinth is permanent, made of sand, bricks and gravel. It is said to be modeled after the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France.

The labyrinth will be open to the public around the clock. For more information, call the church office at 664-1125.

A public dedication program will he held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Athol Baptist Church, 29150 N. Highway 95. The new church was completed this spring after 15 years of construction. Church members performed most of the labor. All are welcome to attend.

The Heartfriends musical ensemble will perform in concert at 11 a.m. today at Sherman Park in Coeur d’Alene. The 14-member group is based in California and will perform songs from their recent release titled “Big Sky Country.” The free performance is sponsored by local members of the Baha’i faith.

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