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About | 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
Director of Congregational Care

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!

Request a Prayer
Talk with a Pastor
Join the Prayer Team

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 Fireside Prayer 4x3

Prayer Shawl Ministry

We knit 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.

New Class this Fall!

Finding Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer's

A five-week class designed to offer encouragement to those caring for a loved one with dementia and equip our congregation with ideas and tools to better support caregivers.

Select which group that best describes your needs:

  • Group 1:  Support Caregivers
    Description:  Support for people caring for someone with dementia. For pastors and individuals who want to better understand the experience of a caregiver and how to support them.
    Dates:  Wed, Sept. 13, 6 to 7:30p;  Mons, Sept. 18 & 25, 6 to 7:30p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 221
    Leader:  Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein, Director of Congregational Care
  • Group 2:  Parental Caregiver
    Description:  Support for people caring for a parent with dementia. This study is for adult children or other family members facing challenges such as role reversal, loneliness & isolation, self-care and asking for help.
    Dates/Times:  Weds, Sept. 13 – Oct. 4, 6:30 to 7:45p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 222
    Leader:  Rev. Winter Hamilton, Executive Pastor of Programs
  • Group 3: Spousal Caregiver
    Description:  Support for spouses of people with dementia. This study is designed to encourage spouses encountering the unique challenge of caring for a partner with dementia.
    Dates/Times:  Mons, Sept. 11 – Oct. 2, 6 to 7:30p; and Saturday, Oct. 7, 10a (Chapel)
    Location:  Room 223
    Leader:  Jill Krogen

Book:  Finding Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer’s, A Spiritual Guide for Families Facing Dementia, by Elizabeth Shulman, 2021 edition.

Please complete one registration form per person:

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