Ministries: Congregational Care Ministry

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Creating Christ’s Caring Community

 

 

 

 

Congregational Care Prayer - February 2

 By Barb Wilkinson

Dear God, yesterday I was hanging my coat on a hanger at work and it made me think of "who else has had a coat hang on this hanger and what was their story?" This time of year we have lots of opportunities to use hangers, may we pause to be thankful for the coat we wear and the story of who else has used the hanger. May we feel you wrapped around us like a warm coat. Amen

 

Events and Retreats

Heart to Heart: Get to Know Your Heart Health Fair
Sunday, February 12. Sponsored by St. Andrew Health Ministry team. Guest cardiologist speaker, Mediterranean heart healthy lunch, raffles, AED (automated external defibrillator) training and more! Save the date. Watch for more details on Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall, and see below. Contact Kimberley Krapek for more information.

Meet the Autho
Kathy Walker, author of The Loving Family Tree, will hold a “Meet & Greet” Sunday, February 19, 9:00 am - noon, Rm. B239, with readings of the book at 10:10 and 11:40 am.  The book will be offered at a discount to St. Andrew members and friends, and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to St. Andrew’s Rainbows ministry. Illustrations from the book by Kathy’s daughter, Kendra, will also be on display in the Adult Wing Art Hallway. This children’s book is a touching, true story of childhood memories and shared family love that emerged during a time of loss.

Enjoy Café Mon Ami and Help St. Andrew Congregational Care Ministry – offer now good Sundays only.
The Café’s offer that helps St. Andrew’s Congregational Care Ministry is now good on Sundays only. Pick up a coupon at the Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall or at the Reception or Welcoming Desk, present it any Sunday you go, and Café Mon Ami will “give back” 10% of your tab to St. Andrew’s Congregational Care Ministry. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this French Restaurant any Sunday. The café is close by and the address is listed on the coupon. 

 

Columbarium

St. Andrew United Methodist Church is planning a columbarium to be located in the Memorial Walkway north of our new sanctuary.  It will hold the cremains (ashes of cremated loved ones) in secure, stainless steel niches, all within a low granite and masonry wall with a beautiful view of the mountains to the west.

For more information, please stop by or call St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 303-794-2683. You may also contact mark Rudnicki at 303-798-4394, or Midge Lange at 303-973-4169.

 

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Health Ministries

• The St. Andrew Health Ministry is focused on mind, body, and spirit connections.

• A wide variety of classes are offered including Yoga, Adapted Yoga (please see below), advanced directives, cancer resources, Sacred movement, Medicare information, caregiver classes, and Alzheimer’s information. Please look under Support Groups, Classes, Events and Retreats, and Resources.

Heart to Heart: Get to Know Your Heart Health Fair

Sunday, February 12. Sponsored by St. Andrew Health Ministry team. Guest cardiologist speaker, Mediterranean heart healthy lunch, raffles, AED (automated external defibrillator) training and more! Save the date. Watch for more details on Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall and see below. Contact Kimberley Krapek for more information.

"Pump Up Your Heart Knowledge"
Sunday, February 12, 8:00 am - Noon. Learn your cardiovascular risks, fun giveaways, great raffle prizes. Drop in to see us located up on the stage in Fellowship Hall and learn all about heart health. Sponsored by Health Ministries Team. Watch for more details on Congregational Care table.

"Ask-The-Cardiologist"
Lecture, discussion and lunch. Noon-1:00pm. With Cinthia Bateman, M.D., South Denver Cardiology. Join us for a delicious Mediterranean heart-healthy lunch and ask your questions. Room 250-2. RSVP is appreciated on the sign up sheet at Pathways desk in Fellowship Hall. 

"AED - Automated External Defibrillator - Informational Session and Training"

Learn how to use this life-saving, easy-to-use device. After lunch in Gathering West. Save the date! Contact Kimberley Krapek for more information on any of the above, 303-933-1979.

• Health Screenings: We’re changing  free blood pressure checks to every month now – every 3rd Sunday, Rm. B269.

• 12-Step Programs such as AA, SA and S-anon and others meet here. See 12-Step Programs below or check the church calendar or call the office for dates and times.

• Broken leg? Need crutches or a wheelchair? Did you know that the Saint Andrew Health Ministries Team has assembled donated Durable Medical Equipment for you to borrow? The items have been checked over and are ready for you to use! All you need to do is ask at the Receptionist’s Desk (or Welcoming Desk on Sundays) and sign it out! One item that we do need is a rolling walker with a seat. (Thanks, but right now, we do not need any more canes, crutches or wheelchairs)

We currently have:

• Wheelchairs
• Walkers (standard and knee)
• Bath Benches
• Commodes
• Elevated Toilet Seats
• Canes (several types)
• Crutches

• Blood Drive: Give the gift of life by donating blood, Saturday, February 25, 2012, 8:00 am - Noon.  Sign up at the Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall, or contact George Coon, 303-794-3830 to reserve a time.

 

Care Ministries

Care Team
St. Andrew extends compassion and care through Care Team. These trained individuals follow-up on prayer requests and other needs offering information, referrals, and a kind listening ear, arrange hospital visitation and prayer. To learn more or become a Care Team member, contact Bev or Bruce French, co-chairs, or Jenny Ricklefs at 303-794-2683.

Intercessory Prayer
While every ministry at St. Andrew is a ministry of prayer, this group meets each Wednesday morning to focus on and pray for the care needs of our congregation and community. Intercessory prayers include three basic types—hope, healing, and thanksgiving. If you would like the privilege of praying for others and joining this prayer ministry, contact Jenny Ricklefs. To request prayer, contact the church, or go to our website and click on “Prayer” in the header and follow the prompts or fill out a blue card and turn it in.

Prayers of the Church
Prayer for one another is an essential element of being Christ’s Caring Community. Most recent prayer requests are shared in our church bulletin each Sunday. St. Andrew maintains a complete list of prayers for our church family and those concerns are included in the prayers of the staff and intercessory prayer team each week. If you would like to request prayer, click on the site for “Prayer” in the header and follow the prompts.

Stephen Ministry 

  1. Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
  2. Are you adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a recent move – or just experiencing a lonely or difficult time in your life?
  3. Could you benefit from having someone who would listen and care and walk with you through this difficult time?
  4. There is no need to struggle alone! Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. God does not intend for you to struggle alone.
  5. Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one care to people who are: Grieving the death of a loved one; Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization; Lonely or discouraged; Coping with a chronic or terminal illness or caring for a family member with a chronic or terminal illness; Unemployed or in a job/financial crisis; New to the congregation or community; Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child; Facing a life transition; Experiencing a spiritual crisis; A victim of a disaster or accident; and many other life situations. No one needs to know.
  6. Please call, Jenny Ricklefs at 303-794-2683, ext 106. She will set up a confidential match with a Stephen Minister or help you get training to become a Stephen Minister.

Covenant Visitors
Covenant Visitors make “house calls” to those living in retirement communities, nursing facilities or who are home bound, offering friendship, caring, and an ongoing St. Andrew connection.

Prayer Before Surgery
Pastors and Spiritual Care providers are available to pray with you and your family before surgery, or during hospitalization. Please contact either Jenny Ricklefs or Dale Wood with the date, time, and hospital name.

Prayer Blankets and Prayer Shawls
These handmade, lap-sized Afghans are offered when someone is experiencing an extremely difficult time. The blankets are prayed over and remind the recipient they are “wrapped” in the prayers of the St. Andrew community.

Compassion Fund
Monies in the Compassion Fund are available to respond to the emergency financial needs of our church family.

 

Classes

Adapted Yoga Class Starting and Regular Yoga Classes Continue
This new class meets Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am. Watch here for 2012 date when Adapted Yoga will resume. Adapted yoga is ideal for those with limited mobility and range of motion. Using chairs, the wall, and straps will allow for gentle stretching which will aid in flexibility, circulation, and opening up muscles and joints. By working with the breath, there is also a greater sense of wellbeing, relaxation, and focus. Come try it out for yourself by enjoying the first class for free!  Please call the leader for more details, questions and to develop a yoga program specifically for you - Martha Mandeville, 720-480-2164. Martha has taught yoga at St. Andrew and other places for many years. We also have a regular Yoga class Wednesdays, 9:45 – 10:45 am and will start a Monday class, 6:00 – 7:00 pm if there are enough signups. All levels are welcome. Signup at the Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall or by contacting Martha. All classes are $90/10 weeks or $15/session.

Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
Thursdays, January 12 – March 15, 2012, or Tuesdays, April 3 – June 5, 2012, both 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This class is designed to provide education and support to individuals experiencing the end of a relationship. The class will help you move through the grief and adjustment periods in a healthy way. The class is open to all but is designed especially for individuals, of all ages and situations, who are experiencing the end of a relationship. Some want the relationship to end while others may not. Some may have been in the relationship for a long time while others may have only been in a short-term relationship. Sign up or call Jenny Ricklefs, 303-794-2683. Led by Beth Walker, MBA, CPCC, Certified Professional and Personal Coach who has more than 25 years of experience in mental health and nonprofit administration. She has led many Fisher Divorce Recovery Workshops. Beth has been married for 14 years, and was previously married and personally transcended the trauma of divorce. Childcare is available with your reservation confirmed one week ahead of time with the Child Care Coordinator, 303-794-2683, ext. 151. Due to budget constraints, childcare will now be $5.00 per child per day or evening event; payment is due at time of registration, by check, cash or credit card, payable to St. Andrew UMC Childcare, and there are no refunds for cancellations less than a week prior to scheduled childcare.

New Stephen Minister Training Class Set to Begin
A new Stephen Minster class begins September 27 – February 21! Stephen Ministry training combines theological principles with psychological theory creating a solid foundation for care. Christine O’Neal and Carol Tyson will lead the class. “My Stephen Minister was such a good support when I lost my spouse,” says one care recipient.

The 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training is broken down into twenty 2½ - hour sessions that will be held on Tuesday evenings, 6:15 - 8:45 pm and on two Saturday mornings. Some of the training topics include:

  • Confidentiality
  • The Art of Listening

The impact of Stephen Ministry on our congregation has been tremendous! People whose needs might otherwise slip through the cracks are seeing the face of Jesus in their Stephen Minister. Please consider whether Stephen Ministry is a good fit for your spiritual gifts. Applications to become a Stephen Minister are available from Diane Smith or call Jenny Ricklefs, 303-794-2683 for more information.

Savvy Caregiver
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias requires knowledge, special skills and a unique outlook to enhance the well-being of the person with dementia as well as the caregiver(s). This program is for family members, friends, neighbors, partners and others, near and far, providing direct care or support. Our next class meets Tuesdays, March 20 – April 24, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.. Class is at St. Andrew, but to register, or for more information, contact Alzheimer’s Association, 303-813-1669. With Linda Law, Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter.

 

Groups for Education and Support

Grief Support Group
Thursdays, January 5 – February 2; 4:30-6:00 pm. Whether your loss is of a spouse, child, parent, grandparent or friend, no other life experience can be as isolating and painful as bereavement. Our group offers healing, growth, understanding and comfort for persons grieving the loss of a loved one. The sessions address ways to work through the grief experience in a context of faith and hope. Participation is limited to12, so please preregister at the Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall or contact Jenny Ricklefs, Director, Congregational Care.

12-Step Programs

Brain Injury Support
We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month (not December) from 6:30-8:30pm. Support, socialization, discussion and education are offered to those who have sustained a brain injury, family members, and other interested persons. For more information on the meeting or the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, please contact Jan Herodes or Mary Baldwin, or Dale Wood at church.

Multiple Sclerosis Support
Meets the 1st Saturday of each month, 10:00am until noon

Depression Support Group
2nd Mondays, 6:30–8:00 pm.

Depression is a treatable illness that affects more than 14 million Americans each year. Although common, depression is not a normal part of life, nor is it evidence of weak morals, poor discipline or imperfect faith. If you or a loved one has been touched by depression, come join us to share hope, information, and concerns. The group is led by Nancy Williams, Ph.D., psychologist and St. Andrew member. No sign-up necessary, but if you have questions or concerns, please contact Nancy. All are welcome.

Parents of Teenagers Support (PoTS)
Raising teenagers can be rewarding and challenging. Join our informal group of fellow parents to share, listen and discuss issues relating to parenting our children during the teen years. Topics are decided upon by the group and may involve book studies, speakers, or simply friendly support. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month, except for May and December. No meeting February 14.  Next meeting held March 13. For more information please contact Kathleen Riley, 303-741-6726, or Dona Kooy, 303-267-0643.

OutSpirit: Friends Embracing Diversity
Meets 4th Sundays, 12:00–1:30 pm (OutSpirit will not meet in November and December. Christian fellowship, support, and educational opportunities for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered church community, their friends, family & supporters. All are welcome. For more information, contact Cathy Pearl.

Rainbows Parent Group
This is a small group for parents focused on helping their children recover after experiencing a loss through death or divorce. A child’s grieving process is very different than that of an adult. This group is designed to help parents understand how children perceive loss and how to help them work through it. Rainbows for Children is held at the same time. Mondays. Mondays, January 23-March 5, 2012, (Not Feb. 20), 7:00–8:00 pm, Monday, March 12, 2012, 6:00-8:30 pm, Celebrate Me Night. Led by Jenny Ricklefs, Director, Congregational Care.

Parents Who Have Lost an Adult Child Self-Help Group
Come meet and visit with parents who are facing the same grief as you. It never goes away, but sharing with caring others and seeing how they are dealing with life may help and comfort you. What do you have to lose - except an hour of God's love being handed to you by other caring parents. All interested persons are invited and welcome the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 3:00 – 4:00 pm. For more information, contact Pat Markwell.

 

Resources

Five Wishes, the free brochure about end-of-life wishes, have been mailed to those of you who requested that, and there are many copies now available on the Congregational Care table in Fellowship Hall and on the Congregational Care slatwall outside of Room B269 ( across from the Workroom door.)

Healing Hearts Bereavement Newsletter Did you know we have this monthly newsletter on the Congregational Care Desk? That's just to the left of the big windows in the West Gathering Space. This newsletter has articles such as "Taking Care of Yourself During Your Grief" and "The Spiritual Side: Leaving the Gap Unfilled," news of Bereavement Education programs and Grief Support Groups in the area, recommended reading, as well as volunteer opportunities at the Hospice of Metro Denver. Please help yourself or take one for a friend.

For more information contact Jenny Ricklefs

CareNotes “Take One-and take heart. Give One-and give hope.” CareNotes are free, helpful pamphlets to assist in getting through the rough spots in life. Titles include “Reduce Your Caregiver Stress,” Healing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Together,” “Walking with God through Grief and Loss,” and “Dealing with Anger.” New titles arrive each month. These pamphlets also list additional resources. CareNotes are located in the Gathering Space, across from the Reception Desk on the Congregational Care slatwall. Please help yourself.

Seniors Blue Book 2011-2012 A wonderful, informative resource for seniors and their families, this guide has information about housing, personal care agencies, Medicare, assisted living, geriatric care management, trusts, community resources and services, employment and volunteer opportunities, health services, lifelong learning and much more. Get one! They’re free and on the Congregational Care table and Literature Rack in Fellowship Hall, and many places around the church.

 

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