Fort Benton UMC, which has stood as a community anchor for generations, is not just a place for Sunday worship. It’s a vital hub for gathering, care, and relationship-building in a rural community where those opportunities can be few and far between. As Lay Leader Lori Benjamin explains, the congregation is on a mission to make their historic church building more accessible and comfortable, starting with a critical but often overlooked feature: the bathroom.
Comfort, Dignity, and Belonging
“Our building has not been fully accessible for people with mobility issues,” Lori says. “We have a tiny bathroom on the main floor—not usable for someone with a walker or a wheelchair. If we want to say, ‘you are welcome here,’ that welcome has to start with ensuring people can get in the door and meet their basic needs.”
The church is now in the process of building an ADA-compliant bathroom. This project is about far more than plumbing—it’s about dignity, hospitality, and living out the message of radical welcome. It’s a simple, practical change that speaks volumes about the kind of hospitality Fort Benton UMC wants to offer. Funded by an A Table for All grant, the new bathroom will serve not only congregants on Sunday mornings but also the broader community that uses the church throughout the week.
Living the Message of Welcome
Community isn’t just a value—it’s a mission. As the congregation looks toward the future, they focus on being a reliable and welcoming space where people can gather, find support, and build relationships. Leadership at the church is deeply committed to understanding and responding to local needs. By being present at community events and listening closely to neighbors, they’re identifying new ways to serve—through worship and by offering a safe, inclusive space for meaningful connection.
The church basement, complete with a spacious kitchen, has long been underutilized. However, through A Table for All coaching, Fort Benton UMC has partnered with local civic and support groups to transform it into a vibrant community center. The reenvisioned space will host fellowship gatherings, assistance networks, youth programs, and more. In a town where isolation is a real challenge and public spaces are limited, Fort Benton UMC provides a vital resource and a friendly refuge for its community.
Creating a Space for Community
Fort Benton UMC is small in size but big in heart. As Lori puts it, “We’re not a large congregation, but we believe deeply in being present for people in meaningful ways.” She emphasizes that it’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. Whether someone walks in with decades of church experience or seeks conversation and community, the church is committed to making room.
Looking ahead, the vision is clear: to be a steady presence in Fort Benton that evolves with the community while remaining rooted in care, connection, and compassion. That vision aligns beautifully with the goals of A Table for All, which supports projects that expand hospitality and connection in United Methodist churches across the Mountain Sky Conference. The initiative helps churches like Fort Benton UMC remove barriers so that all people can fully participate in faith and community life.
To make a donation, please click here or to apply to A Table for All, email Rev. Stephanie Moffitt.
For Fort Benton UMC, this is just the beginning. As the renovation moves forward and the church welcomes more people into its space, the hope is that everyone who enters feels welcomed, included, and seen.
A Table for All
A Table for All is an initiative under the leadership of Bishop Kristin Stoneking, designed to strengthen congregations across the Mountain Sky Conference and ensure that every child of God experiences a warm and loving community. To date, A Table for All has supported 12 churches, helping them grow, thrive, and foster inclusivity. It honors the legacy of retired Bishop Karen Oliveto’s 40-year commitment to building inclusive, welcoming churches within the United Methodist Church. To make a donation, please click here. To apply to A Table for All, email Rev. Stephanie Moffitt.