Service supports Lordi family, takes service outside for 5K

MILFORD — The Milford United Methodist Church took its second service outside to Camp Speers-Eljabar recently in support of Josie Lordi and her family.

Josie has Type 1 diabetes, and the outdoor service coincided with the second annual 5K run/walk, titled Taking Our Shot at Inspiring Hope. The 5K is a fundraiser to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers.

Josie, 5, is slated to get a service dog, a black lab, at the end of May that will alert family members to fluctuations in her blood sugar level.

At least 220 runners and walkers took part in the 5K, an increase of more than 27 percent from last year s first such race. Chris Lordi, Josie's dad, said the community turnout, including many members from Milford United Methodist who ran or walked, was outstanding. The Lordi family worships regularly at the churc. At least two members were among top place finishers in their categories.

After the 9 a.m. race concluded at one of the main fields of Camp Speers-Eljabar in Dingmans Ferry, the Rev. Luana Cook Scott kicked off the outdoor service at the camp's chapel, along the shore of the 42-acre, spring-fed Lake Nichecronk. The pastor also noted Earth Day, giving children small lettuce plants, for later replanting, during the children's sermon. In her main message, she highlighted being caretakers, that we are to be good stewards of all God has given us. She said that includes not only caring for our natural resources, but caring for other people as well, such as the Lordi family.

After the service, Chris, his wife, Leslie, Josie and her brother, 3-year-old Anthony, greeted worshippers. Chris Lordi called it overwhelming how their church family moved its service to the camp to coincide with the 5K and support Josie, as well as the many church members who ran or walked.

In a moment of levity at the end of the service, the Rev. Scott advised: "And by the way, don't forget to check for ticks as you leave the service today."

Milford United Methodist Church is at 206 East Ann St. in Milford. The church has two services weekly, at 8:15 a.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Visitors are welcome at either service. The church is online at http://milfordunitedmethodistchurch.wordpress.com.

More about the Taking Our Shot at Inspiring Hope race can be found on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/takingourshot5K, or on the web at https://lordic.wix.com/takingourshot.