COMPASSIONATE CONGREGATIONAL CARE

According to Paragraph 104 of The UM Book of Discipline: “The heart of Christian ministry is Christ’s ministry of outreaching love. Christian ministry is the expression of the mind and mission of Christ by acommunity of Christians that demonstrates a common life of gratitude and devotion. witness and service, celebration and discipleship.”

Says St. Paul in Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In Mark 6:6b, 7, 13, “As Jesus went round the villages teaching, he summoned the Twelve and sent them out two by two ... they anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.”

The purpose of the area of Compassionate Congregational Care Ministries is to enable BUMC to be a church that cares for and about our members and our neighbors. “We choose to care” when sorrow comes, when sickness comes, when death comes, when loneliness comes, when needs arise, when estrangement from the church occurs, when listening ears are needed, when there are joys to be celebrated, whenever Christ needs the company of the committed to do his deeds of love. By accepting the challenge put before us by The Book of Discipline of the UMC and the holy Bible, we demonstrate that “We choose to care”.

This we do in the following ways:

A. The Order of Shalom - Beth Middlemus, Chairperson

A group of members committed to calling/caring ministry spend approximately three to four hours once a month on the first Thursday at 11:30 A.M. participating in a meal, devotions and time of fellowship followed by visitation in teams of two to call on members who are at home or in care facilities who are no longer able to participate actively in the life of the church. They are still part of BUMC and have a vital interest in their church. After our visits we write a report which is added to previous reports and gives us information for conversation and concerns.

B. The Prayer Chain - Patricia Palmer, Chairperson

Whenever there are requests for prayers on behalf of members, friends, or family members, a dedicated group of church members are called, and they respond in prayer for whatever need is requested.

C. The Yellow Rose Ministry - Julia and Dale Heiser, Chairpersons

A sunday bulletin and a yellow rose are delivered during the first weekend a member is hospitalized so that the love of God and of our church family is shown to that person.

D. The Quilt Ministry - Kathy Myers, Chairperson

Begun as a memorial for Carole Anderson, a group of dedicated quilters design and make beautiful “Healing Hands Quilts”. They use outlines of their own hands to sew onto the quilt and write Bible verses on the underside. The quilts are delivered by the pastors (usually) to persons who are very ill or in some circumstance requiring a beautiful symbol of our caring love and prayers for healing.

E. “Saturday Night Alive!” - Thea and Jerry Maloney, Co-Chairs

Dinner and program for all adults of the Church, usually at 6:30 on the 4th Saturday night of each month, October through April (skipping December). A rich variety of program themes and the assurance of a great meal and delightful fellowship.

F. The Steering Committee - Ruth Engelberg, Chairperson

Representatives from each sub-group of our ministry meet for devotions and reports on progress and acitivites. Church attendance is reported by checking the Friendship Pad entries and noting when members have been absent from worship for a three or four week period. Cards are sent or phone calls made to assure them they have been missed and to inquire if there is a need we can help fill. A report is given on birthday cards and bereavement cards sent. Reports from the Prayer Chain and the Order of Shalom, the Yellow Rose Ministry, the Quilt Ministry, as well as decisions made on such matters as gifts to be taken to shut-ins at holiday times.

Your participation in these areas of service and ministry through our church can be highly rewarding, and we eagerly invite you to join us in one or more of these activities. Training will be provided as needed including working with an experienced person. For more information about this exciting ministry, please contact Beth Middlemus or Thea Maloney at 252 - 7666 (home) or 231-2781 (church).