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Care Ministry

Prayer & Comfort

Our mission is to care.

Manchester UMC has a number of ministries that offer care and support. From dealing with grief, divorce, or the loss of a job, to providing a prayer shawl, we’re here to help.

Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein
Pastor of Justice and Compassion

Prayer

In 1 Timothy 2:1, the Apostle Paul urges that ‘…requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone…’ If you’d like prayer, please let us know!

Care

Congregational care happens best in community, the people of the church caring for one another. The ministry of Congregational Care is a group project, and it depends on people helping one another. It is a ministry of presence, of showing up with and for people, to simply be with them in their time of need.

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Stephen Ministry

Sometimes difficult life situations come our way such as loss of a job, a serious illness, divorce, loss of a loved one, etc. The care of a professionally trained Stephen Minister may be just the support you need.

Greeting Card Final FB

Greeting Card Ministry

Sometimes all it takes is an encouraging word. This ministry sends messages of love and support to those on our prayer request list. Volunteer to be part of this team.

Prayer Shawl

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl ministry knits beautiful shawls, bless them, and pass them on to those who need our prayers. You do not need to be a member of the church to request, or receive, a prayer shawl.

Visitation Care Team 4x3

Visitation Care Team

Visitation Care Team make regular visits to our homebound members. And because our visitors are assigned to specific people, relationships develop. Let us know if you become homebound.

Support Groups

Nourish Caregiver Support

Date:  Wednesdays, Sept. 11, Oct. 23, Nov. 13
Time:  6:30 – 8:00p
Location:  Room 309
Leader:  Jill Krogen

Description:  This group is for anyone juggling the challenges of everyday life, health, career and caring for a disabled child, or an ill or aging parent, spouse or grandparent, in town or at a distance. Nourish Caregiver Support understands caregivers need somewhere to turn to for information, strength and connection during the caregiver journey. Nourish for Caregivers provides a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional support, useful tools, and shared experiences. Topics vary each month.

Grief Support Group

Date:  Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Dec. 18, 2024
Time:  6:30-8p
Location:  Room 221 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Denise Stuckmeyer

Description:  Support groups are a time-tested method for people struggling with a variety of difficulties, including grief. Many people have reported that they find comfort in the companionship that a support group can offer, knowing that they are not alone. Led by facilitator Denise Stuckmeyer-Keller, RN, this group shares helpful information and resources along with caring voices. A member of our Stephen Ministry Team will also be available for one-on-one conversation if needed.

Good Grief: IT's Not Just for Charlie Brown

Date:  Tuesdays, Sept. 17 – Oct. 22, 2024
Time:  6:30 – 8:00p
Location:  Room 223 | Manchester UMC
Leader:  Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein

Description: Grief is a normal part of life; it is natural; it is necessary. Grief is not just because death has happened. The loss of a job, a move to a new residence, the loss of a friendship – these situation often involve grief. Therefore, there are resources that can allow one to experience “good grief” that provides opportunity for hope and healing.

During this six week class, we will focus on: power of stories and memories, the flow of grief, exploring “Where is God?” in the midst of our grief, preparations for one’s own funeral and worship service. Since grief is a part of being human, this class will have something to offer anyone who is curious about how to navigate this aspect of our life as best we can.

Please complete one registration form per person:

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Fall Kick-off: Thank you

Thank You for Joining Us at Manchester UMC’s Fall Kick-Off!   We invite you to explore the many ways you can Love God and Love Neighbor with us. Get Involved   Explore our ministries and areas of interest, and let us help you find the perfect fit. Our team will

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Sermons

A Big Table- You are what you eat

Rev. Ron Beaton, Sermon 8.19.24, “A Big Table- You are what you eat.” John 6:51-58 NRSVUE
“Following Jesus is not about individual spiritual growth alone. Growing as a Christian is individual spiritual growth and reaching out in love and service to the world. We cannot have one without the other. We must Love God and Love neighbor. We must be engaged in works of piety and works of mercy.”
“Be what you see, receive what you are. In other words, in this bread, see the body of Christ, receive the body of Christ,
Be the body of Christ,
Be the body of Christ that feeds the hungry.
Be the body of Christ that healed the sick.
Be the body of Christ that proclaimed release to the captives.
Be the body of Christ who cleaned nasty, calloused feet.
Be the body of Christ that welcomed little children into his arms and said this is who the kingdom of God belongs to.
Be the body of Christ that eats with outcasts and tax collectors and rabble-rousers and Samaritans and the poor and well, with anybody eat with anybody.”
Be the body of Christ.

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