Caregiving
Our Caregiving Committee strives to nurture and care for the people in our faith community and encourages congregants to extend fellowship and care for one another.
The Committee works at:
building relationships within the congregation
responding to requests and coordinating new initiatives as the need is identified
seeking volunteer visitors for congregants requesting visits and companionship
providing a listening ear and support for volunteers making visitations
seeking caregiving opportunities in accordance with our mission of “Loving Each Other.”
Caregiving Ministry is a subcommittee of the Deacon’s Committee. We have a variety of programs, feel free to check them out below.
In addition, several programs work in partnership (collaboration) with Caregiving committee members:
Bethel’s Healing Prayer Team led by dedicated, trained volunteers is an important caregiving ministry at Bethel. They offer a confidential ministry to those seeking prayer.
Reflections from some of our committee members who serve with enthusiasm
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Care and concern
“During this pandemic year, I have been encouraged by the level of care and concern people, even complete strangers, have shown each other. I would like to challenge us all to continue showing that level of care and kindness to everyone post-pandemic.”
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It takes a village
“I am awed by the amount of creative caregiving this committee has completed during the pandemic. However, it takes more than a committee or a village; it takes the entire congregation to provide the amount of care required. It has been nice to get appreciative comments from recipients of our caregiving.”
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Build connections
“Being on a new committee always presents opportunities and new insights on the working of the church and gives the gift of getting to know more members in new ways.”
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Reach out
“I am deeply grateful for our dedicated committee members, the volunteers and congregants who extend compassion and caregiving to so many at Bethel. I would like to encourage you all to reach out to one another; you will be blessed and will be a blessing.”
Older Adults
The caregiving ministry for seniors is enhanced by Volunteer Visitors who provide companionship to a select group of congregants who live in Personal Care Homes (PCH), Assisted living or independent housing. Support is provided through visits, phone calls, by mailing cards or dropping off the occasional gift packages.
To support our volunteer visitors, Educational Sessions with relevant topics for caregivers are offered annually. As well, an annual Appreciation Event is hosted with entertainment and food for the volunteers.
Since some seniors do not have access to computers, a designated volunteer calls these congregants so they can listen to Bethel’s live-streamed church service on the volunteer’s computer. These weekly calls have resulted in new relationships and are greatly appreciated.
A highlight for many seniors is the “Senior Tea.” Events that foster fellowship are planned and hosted in fall, at Christmas and in early spring for all seniors aged 70 or older. A variety of entertainment was offered in the past that included, musical performances by choirs, small groups and individuals as well as presentations by birdwatchers, Mennonite archivist and others.
Hands on Care
Prayer Partnership for children and their prayer partner (currently on hold)
Warm clothing is collected by children in Bethel’s “Kids Connecting” program and congregants during the Advent Season to decorate the “Mitten Tree”. This clothing is later donated to children through the United Way.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: The pastoral team, Deacons or Caregiving committee members gift congregants who are experiencing a serious illness or a significant crisis a prayer shawl as a symbolic way of extending comfort and care. The shawls may also be given to baptismal candidates or new babies on the day of their dedication. Knitters and crocheters from our congregation create handmade shawls to replenish our supplies.
“Meal Train”- our committee organizes volunteers to provide meals for a short term to new parents following the birth of their child and to individuals who are experiencing illness if a need is identified.
Sunday Morning Babysitting: our committee recruits and coordinates volunteers who provide babysitting for parents of young children during (most) Sunday worship services. (currently on hold)
Bereavement
Bereavement Ministry: Committee members provide care by visiting, bringing a small gift or sending sympathy cards to congregants or families who lose an immediate family member within the past year. Together with the pastors the committee also plans and hosts a Memorial Service on Memorial Sunday in November.
Healing Prayer Ministry
The Bethel Mennonite Church Healing Prayer Ministry consists of a prayer team made up of 2-3 graduates from the two-year Formation for Healing Ministry program developed by The Institute for Christian Ministries. The course has taught them how to pray with people facing some of life’s challenges. These can be:
physical - such as aches and pains, or a disease or illness
emotional - such as depression, anger or loneliness
relational- such as disappointment or hurt caused by family, friends or co-workers
spiritual - such as a feeling of inner emptiness, doubt, or anger at God or a spiritual mentor who has hurt us
The healing prayer team commits to four hours (one hour per week) of confidential, loving attention and prayer with you for the healing of your needs.
Glory be to Him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
~ Ephesians 3:20
