Miss-Delectable
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The Daily Journal - www.thedailyjournal.com - Vineland, N.J.
Jane Layton's hands flowed with movement as the Rev. Dan Gardner spoke.
Through scripture readings, hymns and even general conversation, Layton signed through the 11 a.m. service for the two people sitting in the front pew who would be lost without her help.
Open Bible Baptist Church, a small building turned church on a quieter part of Main Street, east of downtown Millville, started a deaf ministries service three weeks ago.
During the regular Sunday services, Layton or another signer will speak to the congregation through sign language so anyone who wants can learn the lessons Gardner preaches.
"What we're doing is just breaking the silence," said Layton, who is studying at Camden County College how to be an interpreter. "We're making it accessible for the deaf to learn."
On Sunday, Layton signed hymns and scripture for the first half of the service while CJ Elwood, director of deaf ministries, signed during the sermon toward the end of the hour.
When signing, each sat on a chair near the piano before a section of the pew where Bobby and Lorene Dinan sat.
The Vineland couple normally attend another church, Layton said, but came to Open Bible for the first time two weeks ago. The Dinans returned Sunday for another signed service.
Bobby Dinan used sign language to tell Layton that he likes to see Elwood interpret, watch baptisms and "just be able to come here and learn about God and how to be saved."
During the service on Sunday, the Dinans followed the hymns by watching Layton's hand movements and signing.
"They'll never hear the gospel unless we take the time to show them," Elwood said. "It's our responsibility to help them."
Jane Layton's hands flowed with movement as the Rev. Dan Gardner spoke.
Through scripture readings, hymns and even general conversation, Layton signed through the 11 a.m. service for the two people sitting in the front pew who would be lost without her help.
Open Bible Baptist Church, a small building turned church on a quieter part of Main Street, east of downtown Millville, started a deaf ministries service three weeks ago.
During the regular Sunday services, Layton or another signer will speak to the congregation through sign language so anyone who wants can learn the lessons Gardner preaches.
"What we're doing is just breaking the silence," said Layton, who is studying at Camden County College how to be an interpreter. "We're making it accessible for the deaf to learn."
On Sunday, Layton signed hymns and scripture for the first half of the service while CJ Elwood, director of deaf ministries, signed during the sermon toward the end of the hour.
When signing, each sat on a chair near the piano before a section of the pew where Bobby and Lorene Dinan sat.
The Vineland couple normally attend another church, Layton said, but came to Open Bible for the first time two weeks ago. The Dinans returned Sunday for another signed service.
Bobby Dinan used sign language to tell Layton that he likes to see Elwood interpret, watch baptisms and "just be able to come here and learn about God and how to be saved."
During the service on Sunday, the Dinans followed the hymns by watching Layton's hand movements and signing.
"They'll never hear the gospel unless we take the time to show them," Elwood said. "It's our responsibility to help them."