Happening This Week at Weddington http://ow.ly/aTFjE
Pastoral Care News
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Renee's Story
*This article was contributed by Renee Houghton. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a Pastoral Care ministry of Weddington United Methodist Church. Contact Rev. Ed Briggs at ed.briggs@weddingtonchurch.org.
Recently, I became ill unexpectedly and hospitalized for 2 weeks. This was a very difficult time for my family including my two young daughters, aged three and five. Although my family stayed by my side as much as they could, I would still have time alone in my room. During these times, I found my mind wondering to the whys; why is this happening to me? Why am I suffering from this ailment at such a young age? Why the timing when all was going well for my family?
During my hospital stay, I was honored to be the recipient of a hand made shawl from our Prayer Shawl Ministry. The prayer shawl reminded me of God’s abiding love. When I wrapped myself in the prayer shawl, I immediately had a warm sensation come over me. I felt His presence in my room as He wrapped His arms around me. My prayer shawl will always be a source of comfort when I face tough times, in pain, alone or suffering and be a sign of God’s healing presence for He is the great physician. The shawl will always remain special to me not to mention how beautiful it is and happens to be in one of my favorite colors. God at work again.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry made a difference during my time of pain and suffering. The special people of this ministry put their talents to work for the good of others in need. Through their gift, they lifted my spirits. When I look at it, I see someone knitting each thread with love and a healing prayer for their brother or sister. God bless the gracious people who are a part of this ministry.
Comfort & Care in Grieving
This GriefShare testimony was contributed by Ashley Goodner. The GriefShare Support Group is a Pastoral Care ministry of Weddington United Methodist Church, providing support and love to grieving members of our congregation and community. Contact Rev. Ed Briggs at ed.briggs@weddingtonchurch.org.
To do or not to do GriefShare?
That is the question I asked myself many times leading up to that first meeting. After many weeks of prayer and the persistence of Ed Briggs, I decided to give the GriefShare Support Group a chance.
My reason for attending GriefShare was my Dad, who passed away suddenly last September. Although not the most responsible person, my Dad lived life to the fullest, enjoyed being around people, and loved to cook. Oh, could that man cook! Every three weeks he would come up to visit, mostly to see his 2-year-old grandchild, Savannah, but while he was here, we would always end up in the kitchen cooking and trying new recipes.
When he passed, I was filled with shock, questions, anger, sadness, uncertainty, anguish, guilt, loneliness; I was on a roller coaster of emotions. Emotions I did not have time for. I had a husband, a daughter, a home, and a job that depended on me. I felt I did not have time to grieve for my Dad.
Ed had spoken to me at church about GriefShare, but the thought of sharing my thoughts and feelings with other people was just too overwhelming.
Then Ed started calling me and leaving me messages about Grief Share. (Ed is very passionate about this program) At this point I ask God for guidance; to help me answer the question “To Do or Not To Do Grief Share?”
The answer came to me as I was in the McDonald’s drive thru ordering a large diet coke when suddenly my phone rang. Can you guess who was on the other end? It was Ed.
The hardest part about that first night was walking through the door. The group leaders are amazing and each of them has their own grief journey. As they share their personal stories with the group you begin to understand that you are surrounded by love and support.
As the weeks past, you not only begin to witness your own healing, but also the healing of those around you. Each of us attended Grief Share because of a loss, but in the end we gained friendships, understanding, peace, and a deeper relationship with God.
If you asked me the question today “To Do or Not To Do Grief Share?” my answer would be easy. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing! Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Relay For Life 2012
A Relay for Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society will be taking place on Friday, May 25 at the Morrison YMCA in Ballantyne. The opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. with ceremonial laps. Luminary bags can be purchase for $10.00 in honor or in memory of love ones who have cancer or have had cancer. These bags will have the names of loved ones written on them and the candles inside them will be lit at the rally. The Cancer Care Team is making these bags available with a form to be filled out in Helms Hall at 10:30 a.m. on the following Sundays: April 29, May 6, 13, 20.
All forms and money (checks are to be made out to the American Cancer Society) can be turned in to the church office or to the Cancer Care Team member at the table in Helms Hall. Join the Cancer Care Team as they seek to fight the battle against cancer.
A Stephen Ministry Testimony
“Each one of us faces challenges in our daily lives. When facing my own personal challenges, trusting Jesus to pull me through has brought me closer to Him, and this continues to sustain me. For me personally, my faith has been steadfast during my husband’s brain cancer fight, and eventual loss. A few months later, my son was diagnosed with Aspergers during first grade. I had new challenges again, realizing his behavior was not related to my husband’s illness, but was actually a form of autism; and he was at a school ill-equipped and unprepared to help him. While the Lord led us to another school for second grade and wonderful teachers who are participating in helping him have a better year at school, it can still be overwhelming, especially as my son and I work through the stages of grief.
God’s response to these challenges has been the loving support and comfort that He provides through others; others inlcuding my Stephen Minister. In a period of time when I’ve been overwhelmed and exhausted, God has provided a tangible friend to share my concerns and provide encouragement through God’s word. Through my Stephen Minister, I have shared my worries, freely and safely shed some tears, have had a partner in prayer, and someone to remind me that God is in control. After being a caregiver to my husband, and a continued caregiver to our son, I was provided a caregiver to help me through this rough first year following my husband's death and period of learning about Aspergers. It has been such a blessing to have this loving support. Through this extension of God’s love, I’ve continued my walk in faith, and have had a reminder that His presence is all around us, in those who serve Him.”
-Heather Shore
GriefShare
The death of a loved one can be devastating as the pain of grief takes over. We are blessed to have a support group for people coping with the loss of a loved one. The facilitators, Rick and Robin Primm, Julie Kemp and Pat Rose (all church members) have experienced grief themselves. Because of this, they are passionate about caring for people who are currently hurting from the pain of loss. GriefShare begins on Wednesday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hemby House, room 5. Join them for dinner in the Family Life Center at 5:45 p.m. for fellowship if you desire. This support group consists of very helpful DVDs on various topics pertaining to grief, group discussion time and prayer. If you or someone you know is interested in GriefShare, please call or email Sandra McKee at the church office; sandra.mckee@weddingtonchurch.org.
DivorceCare
Separation and divorce can cause great hurt in the lives of couples and their families. The facilitators of DivorceCare, John White, an intern with Agape Christian Counseling, and Julie Davidson, a church member, desire to minister to people who are going through separation and divorce because of this very fact. Beginning on Wednesday, January 18, in room 21, DivorceCare begins. The class time includes a DVD series which covers very pertinent topics, class discussion and prayer. Those who come to DivorceCare experience the loving grace filled nature of God in all that transpires. If you or someone you know is interested in DivorceCare, please call or email Sandra McKee at the church office, sandra.mckee@weddingtonchurch.org.
