Ministries: Congregational Care Ministry

Register for Classes and Events

Table of Contents

Classes for all

To Love, Honor and Cherish  Tuesdays, Feb 9, 16, 23 & Mar 2, 7–8:30pm - A new class at St. Andrew, which provides perspectives and tools to enhance personal relationships. Class format will include discussion, written exercises, readings, case examples and videos.

Feb.  9  -  What Do You Want for Valentine’s Day?
Feb. 16 – How Do We Lovingly Speak and Listen?
Feb. 23 – Exploring Different Communication Styles
Mar.  2 – Investing in Relationships for the Long Run

Our class is led by Bonnie Messer, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in private practice, specializing in couples counseling, stress management, coping with transitions, grief and loss, self esteem, and postpartum depression. She has taught university courses including Human Growth and Development and Adolescent Psychology. Previously she served as internship director and staff psychologist at the University of Denver, assistant professor of social work at Dakota Wesleyan University, and social worker at United Day Care Centers in Boston. Publications include Dealing With Change, and “Loving, Honoring, and Cherishing” with Donald Messer  in Reflections On Marriage And Spiritual Growth.

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, and others, near and far, providing direct care or support. We will run two sessions of the same class, Thursdays, Feb 18 - Mar 25, 1:00 - 3:00 pm OR 6-8pm. Please first take “Understanding Memory Loss and Dementia.” Class is at St. Andrew; to register, or for more information, Alzheimer’s Association 303-813-1669 or www.alz.org/co (community programs). With Alida Loinaz, Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter.

Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
NEW CLASS - Thursdays,  April 8 – June 10, 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. 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.

Sign up at the Pathways Desk or call Jenny Ricklefs, 303-794-2683. Childcare is available with your reservation confirmed with the Child Care Coordinator, Lisa, at 303-794-2683, ext. 151. Fee $150.

Health Ministries

Yoga - an ancient practice for uniting the body and mind which allows for self awareness, focus, and stress reduction. Even more than exercise, it can produce profound changes in all aspects of ourselves. This class is for all levels, especially for those who "can't even touch my toes" since all poses can be modified to suit your individual needs. Investment: $80/10 weeks or $12/drop-ins. Call Martha, 720-480-2164, of Integrated Healing, to hear about the focus of our next session and try your first class FREE!

Blood Drive - Saturday, Feb 6, 8am - 12pm. See the sign-up sheet at Base Camp, contact George Coon to reserve a time, or drop in and see what times are available. It's such an easy way to make a life-giving difference.

Our thanks to all the people who have donated blood in the last two years. The total number of units donated by St. Andrew folks is 180 units. Just think how many people that has helped!

Reconciling Ministries

Church Conference

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Noon in the Sanctuary

Following is the statement approved by the Church Council for consideration and vote by the members of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

St. Andrew United Methodist Church publicly affirms our commitment to inclusion as faithfully recorded in the reconciling statement below, will post this statement in our newsletter and bulletin, and will forward it to the Reconciling Ministries Network to be listed among those communities that affirm inclusion. Thus, we will thereby be known as a reconciling congregation, ready to welcome those who are called to be an inclusive church living out Christ's love for all to transform the world.

Welcoming Statement

St. Andrew United Methodist Church has a place for you. We embrace Jesus’ message that God loves everyone and affirm that all persons are of sacred worth. We are proud to celebrate diversity as we work to live our vision of radical hospitality.

We welcome people of every age, race and gender identity; diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations; any family structure, economic reality, physical and mental ability, education and faith history. While there are differences among us, we can love alike though we may not think alike. You are invited to join this nurturing community on a faith journey toward greater love, understanding and mutual respect. 

If this is your first visit, welcome.  If you are returning, welcome home.

Becoming a Reconciling Congregation:

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

  1. What is a Reconciling Congregation?
    A Reconciling Congregation is a United Methodist local church that makes a public statement welcoming all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to participate fully in its congregational life.

  2. What would it mean to become a Reconciling Congregation?
    As Christians, we strive to follow Christ’s acts of welcome and love for all. But the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (UMC) contains unwelcoming language about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) persons. This is the only group of people expressly made to feel unwelcome by the language of the Discipline and Social Principles, and the only group denied full rights of participation in the UMC.

    To be reconciling simply means that we will expressly welcome this specific group of persons into our midst to journey with us in our Christian faith. St. Andrew United Methodist Church (SAUMC) will adopt a welcoming statement to include all persons we welcome, including GLBT persons. This will express our disagreement with the unwelcoming Discipline language and our wish to be inclusive of all people.

    The Scriptures will continue to be the highest source of guidance in our faith, and using them as our guide, we will intentionally welcome all. A Reconciling congregation is still bound by the Discipline.

  3. How do we become a Reconciling Congregation?
    Most churches engage in a study and dialogue about the concerns for the GLBT persons in the church for a period of several months or years. During this time a group in the congregation drafts a “welcoming statement” to reflect the congregation’s intended welcoming stance. This statement is approved by the Leadership Council, then taken to a charge conference for all church members to vote on.

  4. Why should we single out GLBT persons?
    Reconciling Congregations highlight the open discrimination which GLBT persons face in our church and society. In the UMC, GLBT persons are the only social group for whom participation in some aspects of general church life is barred by church law. However, there are other persons and groups in our society with whom our churches must be reconciled. Most Reconciling Congregations adopt a welcoming statement that welcomes all persons “regardless of age, gender, race, class, ethnic background, mental or physical ability, or gender/sexual orientation.”

  5. Why do we have to make a public statement? We already welcome everyone.
    Many local church and Christian leaders are public about their anti-gay actions and statements. So Reconciling Congregations must be public about their desire to be in ministry with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. The overwhelming perception within the GLBT community today is that they are not welcome in churches. A public statement is needed to overcome that reality. Remember Jesus’ statement about hiding your light under a bushel (Matt. 5:15). Rather than a decision to be kept quiet, the decision to become a Reconciling Congregation is an event to celebrate.

  6. Are we breaking church law by becoming a Reconciling Congregation?
    No. Official UM policy does bar the ordination and appointment of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” and bans national church agencies from funding any “gay caucus or group” or otherwise “to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.” However, these restrictions do not apply to local churches. In fact, our Social Principles specifically encourage ministries with lesbian and gay persons (par. 65G) and advocate the protection of their civil rights (par. 66H).

  7. If we become a Reconciling Congregation will we become an all-gay church?
    The experiences of congregations who have become reconciling has been that they have received some new GLBT members. However, they have received as many or more new heterosexual members who are attracted to an open, hospitable congregation.

    It is important to remember that GLBT persons who do come to our congregation do that for the same reasons as anyone else—to worship God and find support in living a Christian life.

  8. Won’t this issue split our church?
    Certainly issues related to homosexuality are highly charged and can be divisive. However, the intent of the Reconciling Congregation Program is truly to be “reconciling.” We will be using an open, consultative process in becoming a Reconciling Congregation and need to realize that is it OK to agree to disagree about homosexuality, but affirm that no one should be excluded from the life and ministries of the church.

    Most churches have been able to reach consensus (not necessarily unanimity) to become a Reconciling Congregation. Some have had a few members leave because of their Reconciling status. Most have had new persons join them due to the Reconciling status. All have found their community enriched and rejuvenated by the experience of grappling with such deeply personal concerns in a positive manner.

  9. Are there already congregations or ministries in the Rocky Mountain Conference that are reconciling?
    Yes: Arvada UMC, Mountain View Community Church, Christ Church UM, Cameron Church Methodist, Warren UMC, St. Paul’s UMC, First UMC Boulder.

    Also, the Western Jurisdiction (of which we are a part) recently voted to become a Reconciling Jurisdiction.

  10. What is the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church?
    The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church is the book of policy for the UMC. It outlines our history and theology, as well as structure, policies, and procedures by which United Methodist govern themselves. Every four years the General Conference of the United Methodist Church amends and clarifies The Discipline.

  11. What does the Book of Discipline say about homosexuality?
    The Discipline gives a mixed message about homosexuality. It says, “We recognize that sexuality is God’s gift to all persons” and that “Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth.” It also states, “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons.” It also “implores family and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends,” and that “we commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.” But it continues to say that the UMC does not “condone the practice of homosexuality” and “considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”

  12. What about the prohibition on “ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions”?
    A reconciling congregation is still bound by the Discipline. Thus, we would still be prohibited from performing homosexual unions in our church.

For more information visit www.rmnetwork.org

Retreats

Coming soon

Special Interest Groups

Brain Injury Support Group -

We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month 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 Della, or Dale Wood at church.

Depression Support Group - 

Date change - 2nd Mondays , 6:30–8pm. 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.

Employment Search Group Welcomes All -

The Employment Search Group at St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites members of the community to their meetings whether you are looking for a new job, a career change, or you are underemployed. Meetings are Wednesdays, 6:30–9pm in room 251. The group uses a proven 12-week job search process, Career Transition Workshop, in addition to networking and discussion. For further details, please contact the Facilitator(employmentsearch@st-andrew-umc.com).

Grief Support Group - 

Mondays, January 25 - March 1, 2010 (not February 15), 5-6:30pm.  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 to 12, so please preregister at the Pathways Desk or contact Jenny Ricklefs, Director, Congregational Care, jricklefs@st-andrew-umc.com.

OutSpirit: Friends Embracing Diversity -

Christian fellowship Christian fellowship, support, and educational opportunities for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered church community, their friends, family & supporters. All are welcome to join us. If you have any questions please call Kristin. Meeting 4th Sundays of odd months: March, May, July, Sep and Nov, 12–1pm.

Rainbows Parents’ 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. Jan 25 - Mar 8, 2010, (Not February 15), 7-8pm, Monday, March 15, 2010, 6-8:30pm, Celebrate Me Night.Led by Jenny Ricklefs, Director, Congregational Care.

Sagers - 

St. Andrew’s group for Seniors. Sage-ers go on an outing once a month that usually includes lunch. There’s no driving! They take the church bus. Yvonne Marshall coordinates this group. Join them for fun and fellowship.  For our March trip we will visit the Forney Museum of Transportation. Friday, March 19. Cost $6.00 per person for guided tour. The bus will leave the church at 9:30am. We will stop for lunch. Please contact Yvonne to reserve.

.

Intercessory Prayer

Coming soon

Stephen Ministry

What can Stephen Ministries do for your congregation?

What is the Stephen Ministry Program? Stephen Ministry is a program that...

  • Equips lay persons to provide distinctly Christian care to individuals who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances
  • Multiplies our Christian care and outreach by working with the church staff to provide adjunct or long-term care
  • Enhances our outreach by creating "a caring church" family
    • Where many (instead of a few) offer Christ's love and care in intentional, systematic ways
    • Which understands itself to be a warm, loving and nurturing community where persons are cherished and cared for
    • That identifies our congregation to the community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.
  • Meets the needs of people who need the care of other people.

What sort of problems can Stephen Ministers help with? An exhaustive list would be impossible to present. Stephen Ministers are given specific instruction in a wide variety of life-issues. The following are just a few of the areas in which a Stephen Minister might provide resources, care and support.

  • Where there is illness... care to the hospitalized, homebound, disabled, chronically or terminally ill.
  • Where there are work-related problems... to the unemployed, the under-employed, those seeking or undergoing career change, retirement, job stress.
  • Where there are family changes... care for the bereaved, support to new parents, separation or divorce.
  • To the elderly.
  • To those battling substance abuse.
  • To those who are depressed, anxious or stressed.
  • To anyone in any sort of spiritual crisis.

Who are the Stephen Ministers? Stephen Ministers are a small group of gifted and dedicated lay volunteers. Their mission is to provide personal, confidential caring Christian support for any of a wide variety of concerns. Stephen Ministers are thoroughly trained in the skills of compassionate listening and non-directive conflict clarification. All Stephen Ministers are selected for participation in this program on the basis of their capability to provide mature and professional care and support.

What sort of training do Stephen Ministers receive? Fifty hours of intensive course work begin the Stephen Minister training process. Monthly continuing education extends that training process while twice monthly small group supervision support offers each Stephen Minister the opportunity to strengthen their relationships with care receivers.

Can a Stephen Minister substitute for a therapist? Absolutely not! Stephen Ministry is not a counseling program - it is a caring ministry. Unlike therapists, Stephen Ministers are not primarily problem solvers. They are fellow members of the body of Christ who stand with you, journey with you, offering the love of Christ.

How does one get connected with a Stephen Minister? Persons looking for Stephen Minister need to go through a referral process. It works like this...

  • A person, - you, a relative or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian care.
  • The Director of Congregational Care, Jenny Ricklefs learns about this need for care - from the Clergy, church staff, the person or a friend, always with the person's permission.
  • Jenny then talks with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry in general and how it might help in a specific situation.
  • With the person's permission, a Stephen Minister is assigned to meet on a weekly basis with the person.
  • The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctly Christian care for the person, with strict confidentiality for as long as the care is needed.

Who will know that I have a Stephen Minister? Only those that you choose to reveal it to. All Stephen Ministry relationships are strictly confidential.

"Encourage one another and build one another up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Visit nursing homes & shut-ins

Coming soon

Resources

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 (jricklefs@st-andrew-umc.com).

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 Adult Wing Hall, on the Congregational Care slatwall. Please help yourself.

Ministries

Page Tools