About The Way Station
A mission outreach of The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
The Way Station’s story
Located at 120 West 4th Street in Spencer, Iowa, The Way Station is a community-minded mission outreach led by the Rev. Beth Preston.
The Way Station is meant to serve as a gathering place that reaches many people, but especially those who may not have a church to call their own. At The Way Station, visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, a light snack, art projects, books and more.
The Way Station hosts a traditional Episcopal Prayer Book service at 3 p.m. every Sunday, followed by a Come and See service at 4:30 p.m., where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together and share their stories.
A letter from Beth Preston:
God has given me a vision of opening an outreach ministry in Spencer, Iowa, with the potential of becoming a mission church.
As Christians, we are followers of the Way of Jesus Christ. A Way Station is a stopping place, a station along the way. The intent of this outreach is to provide a place of relaxation, renewal, recharging, and restoration through the love of Christ.
Spencer represents the perfect location for The Way Station. Spencer does a great job of promoting the downtown area and providing rich and varied events for families and individuals throughout the year, such as Flag Fest in June, the Grand Meander in December, Wine Strolls in October, and others, bringing people from surrounding counties. Spencer has an increasingly diverse population in all demographics. The opportunity for ministry in this setting will be phenomenal, and it will restore the Episcopal presence in Spencer.
Everything offered at The Way Station is provided for a freewill donation. Along with coffee and snacks, The Way Station also provides a used book store and reading room called Friar Tuck’s Book Nook, where people can read, study and purchase or borrow books. There is also an art studio, where visitors can create custom arts and crafts based on a monthly project that The Way Station Staff can help guide.
The Way Station also offers a space where healing prayers can be offered to individuals and groups. As Chaplain for the Northwest Iowa chapter of the Order of St. Luke the Physician, I can lead prayer sessions, and our team can hold healing prayer services and events.
In all of this, I just want to invite people to come meet Jesus and provide a space where they can experience His love and bask in the transforming, restorative power of His Spirit. I truly believe this to be God’s vision. By His grace, I am eager to be a part of it.
In His Service,
Beth Preston
Sign up for updates and upcoming events
Subscribe to our email list and we’ll let you know about upcoming events and what’s new at The Way Station.