The Church of the Exceptional

The Church of the Exceptional COTE is devoted to ministering the Challenged individuals of Rutherford County & surrounding areas. To God Be The Glory!

An Exceptional Story of God's miraculous love and ministry... When the Church of the Exceptional held its first service for 3 people with disabilities in an unused portion of a fellowship building of the Cliffside United Methodist Church in rural Rutherford County, NC in May,1974 no one had any idea of what the little meeting would lead to. It started as an idea in the mind of Church Founder Matti

e Lackey as she worked on her job in a local cotton mill and she thought of a boy who because of his disability was being made fun of at school. Suddenly she realized he was probably being made fun of at church as well... he needed a church where he would be accepted just as he was and could be comfortable in participating in activities and in learning about God. Today, many miracles later, the church is still in operation, and Mattie (who is well into her nineties) has been the Director of the ministry for over 40 years. According to information from the Joni and Friends organization a few years ago, The Church of the Exceptional is the only church of its kind in the United States. The church operates debt-free and owns its sanctuary and surrounding property and vans to transport its members to and from services. It is supported by a number of churches from a variety of denominations, as well as individuals and organizations. Volunteers drive the vans, serve as staff members, sunday school teachers, and speakers in the Sunday morning worship service. The Church is the recipient of several local, state and national awards and recognition for its service to the community and for its work in ministering to those with disabilities. In 2022, as the need for a lift-equipped van became known to replace older vans without lifts that had become unreliable, supporters and the community responded quickly. One van was purchased through numerous contributions, and another van was purchased by an anonymous donor. In addition, several other significant contributions from individuals and businesses were received to assist with other needs of the church. Forty-nine years after Mattie's realization that a young boy needed a place to be able to be accepted and to be able to worship and to learn about God in a meaningful way in spite of his infirmities The Church of the Exceptional continues to strive to fill that need. Thank you for taking the time to hear a portion of our story!

09/11/2026

> **Update on Margaret Lawson:** She has been moved from the ICU to a regular room and is improving. We are hopeful she will be discharged and return home on Monday. Thank you for continuing to pray for her recovery. 🙏 thank you Scott Moore for the update

09/11/2026

📢 We ask our church family and friends to join us in prayer for **Mrs. Margaret Lawson **, one of our valued staff members. She is facing a need that requires a special touch from the Lord. Please remember her in your prayers and ask God to provide comfort, strength, healing, and guidance during this time. Thank you for your love, support, and faithful prayers on her behalf. 🙏❤️

09/09/2026

**11:00 AM Worship Service**

📅 **September 13 | 11:00 AM**
Rev. **Joe Ervin** will bring the morning message. Joe has been sharing God's Word at COTE since he was 14 years old and served as the regular Sunday speaker until 2020, when he was called to preach at Glenwood Baptist Church. We are thrilled to welcome him back for this special service.

📅 **September 20 | 11:00 AM**
The **Faithwalkers** will be ministering in song during the worship service. They have faithfully visited COTE at least once every year since 2004, and we are honored to have them with us again.

🙏 Everyone is invited to join us for worship at **11:00 AM** as we celebrate these special guests and fellowship together.

**To God Be the Glory!**

09/06/2026

Bo and Robbin Bridges Martin, along with the youth of Henrietta First Baptist Church, led the morning message for the COTE. It was a wonderful service centered on a powerful reminder: no matter how big or small your light may be, let it shine brightly for Jesus.

09/02/2026
⛪ Church of the Exceptional and Cliffside Baptist Church came together for a joint worship service focused on worship, f...
08/31/2026

⛪ Church of the Exceptional and Cliffside Baptist Church came together for a joint worship service focused on worship, fellowship, and community.
🙏 Rev. Joe Ervin delivered the morning message, and special thanks were extended to Rev. Mike Elgin and the Cliffside congregation for their warm hospitality.
🌭🎨 The day concluded with fellowship, hot dogs, and craft activities.

08/30/2026

📣 COTE Worship & Fellowship at Cliffside Baptist Church

This Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the Church of the Exceptional (COTE) will be joining Cliffside Baptist Church for a special joint worship service. Following the service, we will enjoy a time of fellowship together and participate in a small Vacation Bible School program.
Cliffside Baptist Church has been a faithful partner in ministry to the Church of the Exceptional for many years. During a recent conversation, Mattie Lackey shared how Gladys Hames started our Vacation Bible School ministry more than 40 years ago. Gladys encouraged young boys and girls to help with VBS, and many of those volunteers continued serving through middle school, high school, and even college.

When Gladys stepped down as VBS director, Benji Humphries was a natural choice to continue the ministry. Benji faithfully served for many years, sharing both his leadership and musical gifts. After his passing, Denise Humphries graciously took on the role and continues the work today.

Over the years, many members of Cliffside Baptist Church have made a lasting impact on the Church of the Exceptional. Individuals such as Paul Messer Sr., who served as a van driver, Sunday School teacher, and guest speaker; Paul Messer Jr., a longtime member of COTE; and Alan Messer, who faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, van driver, and guest speaker, are just a few examples of the many people who have supported this ministry.

We are deeply grateful to Cliffside Baptist Church for its friendship, service, and unwavering support through the years. Your love and dedication have blessed countless lives.
To God be the glory! 🙏✝️

08/26/2026

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

08/24/2026

🏅 SPECIAL OLYMPICS RUTHERFORD COUNTY 2026–2027 PROGRAM YEAR REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🏅

It’s time to get registered for another great year of Special Olympics Rutherford County! ❤️

Program Year Registration is required for athletes who want to participate in our:
🏃 Fall Sports
❄️ Winter Sports
🌷 Spring/Summer Sports
🏅 Local SPRING GAMES DAY in April

Please note: Program Year Registration is separate from sport registration. Athletes will also register individually for the seasonal sports they would like to participate in.

👤 Who can participate?
Athletes must be 8 years old or older.

🔄 Already registered last year?
If your athlete already has a Special Olympics account, DO NOT create a new account! Log in to your existing account, renew your registration, and complete/update all required forms.

🤝 Need help registering?
Come see us at one of our in-person registration days! We can help you log in, renew forms, and complete your registration.

📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Callison’s Recreation Center

📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Rutherford County Library
This registration event is not sponsored by the Rutherford County Library.

💻 Register online:
https://portals.specialolympics.org/

📧 Questions?
[email protected]

We’re looking forward to another amazing year of sports, friendship, fun, and inclusion! 🏅❤️

COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION • REGISTER FOR SPORTS • LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

Address

2843 US Highway 221-A South
Mooresboro, NC
28114

Opening Hours

10:45am - 12:15pm

Telephone

(828) 657-5628

Website

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