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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.

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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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New Member Class Feedback

The purpose of this form is to let the new member class participants provide feedback on their recent experience. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this form! If questions, please email Tiffany Conway. Please complete one form per person:

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