'Wheels for Pastor Ken' benefit

Pastor Ken is a very special person to some of the residents of the Village of Hanover in Northwest Illinois. Pastor Kendrick Matthews, who has suffered from childhood polio, recently developed complications from that disease as well as severe pain from new shoulder injuries. These health issues have confined him to a wheelchair and make transfer in and out of any vehicle very difficult.

The churches of the Hanover area presented a wheelchair-accessible van to Pastor Ken on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006. This van enables him to travel and to carry out his pastoral duties.

In a continuing effort to raise funds toward the purchase of the van, the churches of Hanover will host a hog and beef dinner on Thursday, January 31 from 4-8 PM at the Park District Center (old school) in Hanover. The meal includes roasted pork and beef, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls and beverage.

The benefit will also feature a silent auction and bake sale. Entertainment will be provided.

"The community has since worked at fund-raising activities and it is hoped that this roast will complete the purchase," said Lucille Penry, one of the organizers. An account is open for Pastor Ken's van fund at the Centrue Bank in Hanover.

For more information, or to donate a silent auction item, please contact Lucille Penry at 815-591-2066. Carry-outs will be available - please call 815-591-3625.

Pastor Ken and his wheelchair-accessible van. (Photo courtesy of HUMC)