Congregational Care
Congregational Care is about caring for each other and building a supportive community within the church where we can all find comfort in times of need and share our joy when our cups are full. We help our members who are going through life transitions, and, when appropriate, guide congregants to relevant community resources. If you, or someone you care about, is in need of Congregational Care, please call the church office at 612/825-1701 to arrange confidential support.
Join the team: The Rev. Kate Tucker plays the lead ministerial role in providing congregational care care, although the other ministers are actively engaged as well. The Congregational Care Team -- Rev. Tucker and a number of motivated lay people -- organize and lead this church-wide effort. Pat McLaughlin is the parish nurse, through our affiliation with TRUST. Other contacts: Margit Berg, Joyce Case. Contact Sandy in the front office or at The Hub on Sundays for more details. There are no regularly scheduled meetings of the group.
What the team does: Congregational Care activities vary widely (see list below). As a result, we tend to engage different groups within the congregation at different times and frequently post requests for help on the Cyber Coffeehour as needs arise. With larger needs, we often ask people to offer their help at the Caring Corner desk in the Social Hall after services. We also keep lists of people who are willing to be called for particular purposes. Let us know if you are willing to do any of the following:
-
provide transportation on an occasional basis (often to medical appts)
-
provide meals occasionally
-
provide hospitality at memorial services (usher, greet, help with reception, supply bars/cookies)
-
bring flowers or a comfort shawl to someone in their home or a care center
-
knit/crochet comfort shawls
-
become a visitor to someone who is unable to come to church (visitors meet together 3 times a year for training and support)
-
coordinate workshops sponsored by Congregational Care (e.g. preparing your health care directive, caring for an elderly parent)
-
coordinate our annual blood drive
-
facilitate a support group
- provide volunteer staffing to The Gathering, an adult day program for people with dementia at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Contact: margitkb@comcast.net, 612-377-4776
The Light Of Love
by Preben Mosborg, long-term member
Of course they come to us all
The frozen woods
Where the birds stop singing
Passing through
The night of existence.
It is then we come to know
The power of the unknowable
Come to feel
A depth of touch
Unreachable before.
It is then we see you
Our life-giving friends
As if for the first time.
It is then
When returning too little
A solstice breaks through
With despair and hope intertwined.