Caring Ministries

INCLUSION INITIATIVE

This team was formed to navigate the charge to become an inclusive church. Our goals include sharing the good news to show we are a welcoming and affirming church. Together We All Belong. We started our team so that queer folks and all marginalized people will treasure church. We gather regularly to stay current on important events, new advocacy needs, share ideas and organize programs and ministries. We believe in being proactive and work at acceptance, avoiding things that can be seen as mean spirited. Our ultimate goal is to make the world a better place for all. We believe that we should work toward an inclusive world.

GRIEFSHARE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

GriefShare Grief Support Group

No matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful, confusing process. A GriefShare group is a safe, welcoming place where people truly understand the difficult emotions of grief that you are going through. At this 13-week support group program, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. You’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief and gain solid support each step of the way. Topics include how to manage grief-related emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger, and regret; how to cope with the changes in your life and relationships; and how to recognize what’s normal in grief and what to do if you feel stuck or hopeless.

GriefShare is made up of videos, group discussion, and a workbook. At each weekly meeting, you will view a video about a grief topic that features respected counselors, pastors, and healthcare professionals, plus you’ll hear relatable personal stories of grief. Following the video, a group discussion will allow people time to talk, share support, and personally apply what they learned from the video. A workbook with valuable exercises helps you get through each week and understand where God is in your grieving.

Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. No matter how long it’s been, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. If you have experienced the death of a family member or friend, you are invited to attend. For more details, visit griefshare.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

LPUMC Stephen Ministry Mission Statement

The LPUMC Stephen Ministry Mission is to serve God by Training lay caregivers who will provide a source of one-to-one emotional and spiritual support to those who are facing life’s challenges. This ministry of confidential Christian presence will be available to those in our congregation, as well as those in the broader community and will result in strengthening our bonds as Christians who care for the world and each other.

LPUMC Stephen Ministry Vision Statement

LPUMC Stephen Ministry Vision is about inviting new souls to find God, nourishing the souls of the faithful, and sending God’s people to serve the world as the hands and feet of Christ. We will transform the world by demonstrating love and grace, praising God and nurturing others in Christian living.

PRAYER TEAM

This group of "prayer warriors" confidentially address the requests for prayer that are received from the attendance slips or on the PINC cards in the Sanctuary pew pockets, by phone call, by email, or in-person requests.