If you've read my reviews for awhile, you likely have already caught on that I have a love for the tiny town of Metamora, Indiana. Metamora is in Franklin County and has an actual listed population of 207 people. Yet, it's a popular town because of its "old timey" feeling with antique shops, the Whitewater Valley historic site, and a simplicity that makes it a respite for quite a few people. As you may remember, Yelpers Rick G. and Holly G. used to own a music shop here (and inside this shop I had a small bookstore). While they eventually closed down the shop, they've remained active in the Metamora community. In fact, Rick G. has become the part-time pastor of Boundless Ways of Grace, a small non-denominational church that until a year or so ago was known as Metamora United Methodist Church (they separated from the denomination).
First off, there's the church itself.
The church building was acquired from the denomination by the local historical society. They, in turn, have rented it back to the church. The church building was built in the 1800s and remains largely the same as it was. It has a pump organ and stained glass windows and truly looks like an old country church.
While ordinarily I dock businesses or organizations that are not accessible, the truth is in the 1800s very few buildings were and because this is a historic building any type of renovation would be out of the question. While there's a section of the church I can get into it, the actual sanctuary would be difficult because of steps. That said, they are known to stream their services (though internet can be questionable at best in Metamora).
For a small congregation, Boundless Ways of Grace (which typically gets shortened to Ways of Grace) does quite a bit in the community from a weekly food pantry to music outreach to participating in the community's special events. While Rick and Holly don't live in Metamora, they can typically be counted on to spend quite a bit of time here.
Rick's preaching leans toward casual and the dress here is typically casual. While those with mobility issues would struggle to enter, the church is friendly to those with other types of disabilities including intellectual/developmental. Music also leans toward "old timey" music in the folk/Americana area and most Sunday music is pretty traditional. Ways of Grace leans inclusive and somewhat progressive (a bit of a rarity for Franklin County).
I know of at least a couple people here in Indy who are known to community for services. If you're in Franklin County or a neighboring county and looking for a small, hospitable faith community this is definitely one to consider. There are some larger communities not far away including Brookville. It's easy to make this a day trip or a weekend trip as Franklin County truly has a lot to offer. read more