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Archive for congregational care

Pandemic Grief Support Groups

Posted by Robb Serna on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 in Adults

Grief is a natural response to loss—sometimes of a person, sometimes of something else that is dear to us—a pet, a job, health, a marriage. Even, in this season, the loss of a sense of “normal.” Anyone can experience grief and loss, but each person’s journey through grief is unique and it is never easy. An important factor in healing from loss and developing resilience is having the support of other people.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing another situation that feels like loss, a small group can provide compassionate support and guidance as you journey through your unique experience. A group of companions on a parallel path can offer a place to talk about loss, be assured that what you’re feeling is “normal,” and gain support from others who are in a similar situation. Participation in this group can help you move on to healing through spiritual and emotional growth.

This fall, LAUMC will offer small groups that focus on grief and the coping skills needed for this season. If you have any questions, contact Megan Allende.

Group 1: Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

Sundays, starting October 18, 3:30–4:45pm: This group will provide support for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It will meet for 6 weeks, starting with one meeting in person (socially distanced) on the Los Altos campus, followed by weekly meetings online. Dave Beggs and Senior Pastor Kathi McShane will lead.

Canceled: Group 2: Grief From Other Losses

Thursdays, starting October 15, 5:00–6:30pm: This group will provide support for those who are experiencing grief from other kinds of losses. It will meet for 6 weeks, starting with one meeting in person (socially distanced) on the Los Altos campus, followed by weekly meetings online. Dave Beggs and Senior Pastor Kathi McShane will lead.

Group 3: Fear and Loathing in 2020

Thursdays, starting October 15, 5:00–6:30pm: This group will help participants increase resilience in difficult times by developing better coping skills and strengthening faith. It will meet for 5 weeks, starting with one meeting in person (socially distanced) on the Los Altos campus, followed by weekly meetings online. Associate Pastor Jeong Park and Susie Buchholz will lead.

Caregivers Support Group Informational Meeting, Feb. 8

Posted by Robb Serna on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 in Adults

If you are caring for a loved one, you may benefit from participating in a Caregiver Support Group for the opportunity to talk about your feelings and concerns in a caring, safe environment and learn how others handle difficult situations. Come to an informational meeting on Saturday, February 8, 10:00–11:30am in the Live Oak Room to learn more about an upcoming support group for caregivers.

LAUMC’s Congregational Care Ministry is collaborating with the Wellness Committee at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio to offer a Caregiver Support Group. The informational meeting will give interested persons an opportunity to meet the facilitator, Samara Miller, MFT. Caregivers who have participated in prior groups with Samara will also be available to answer questions.

The next Caregiver Support Group will run on Saturdays, February 15 – April 4, 10:30am–12:00pm at The Forum. If enough people sign up, a second group will meet on the same dates at LAUMC, 1:00–2:30pm. The cost is $22.50 per session. If you have questions, contact Sue Shaffer (650-967-0558).

Congregational Care Ministry Seminar, March 13–14

Posted by Robb Serna on Thursday, December 5th, 2019 in Adults

Congregational Care is critical in every local church, and no one person can address all the hurt of a congregation or community. LAUMC’s Congregational Care team is sponsoring a comprehensive two-day training seminar on Friday and Saturday, March 13–14, 9:00am–4:00pm each day. The seminar will be led by the Rev. Karen Lampe, a renowned expert in congregational care ministry, to train volunteers to become partners in ministry with pastors and staff to provide care for a congregation. Leaders at other local churches are invited to participate as well.

Rev. Karen Lampe served as the executive pastor for congregational care at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for 12 years, creating a model of care that empowers lay people to become Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs) who work alongside their pastors. Karen has authored two books and has taught this model of care to churches throughout the U.S. She believes that care is the heart of the church, no matter what size the church is, and when churches can do this part well, it draws people to their faith community.

Space at the seminar is limited, so early registration is encouraged. The cost is $50 per person, which covers training materials plus breakfast and lunch on both days.

Congregational Care Minister Training Starts April 8

Posted by Robb Serna on Monday, February 26th, 2018 in Adults

Do you have a gift for listening to those needing an ear or those who are lonely? Do you have a compassionate heart for those going through tough situations? Are you being called into ministry caring for others? Congregational Care Ministers, or CCMs, are a team of trained lay volunteers who use their gifts and graces to partner in ministry with the clergy and staff to provide care for our congregation. Congregational care is critical in every local church, and no one person can address all the hurt of a congregation or community. This partnership between lay and clergy enables LAUMC to provide a more consistent and deeper level of care to our church family.

LAUMC will hold a training for new CCMs on Sundays, April 8 – May 20, 11:15am–12:30pm in the Resource Center. With this training, you will be empowered to make hospital visits, telephone persons in need of contact, meet one-on-one with persons in need of a listening ear for prayer and encouragement, offer support to grieving families, and proactively seek to encourage and care for persons in need. Training topics include organizational development, Wesleyan Way of Care, boundaries and ethical practices, listening, older adult ministry, hospital visits, death, and prayer.

Registration is limited. Early bird pricing of $40 is available through March 8, then the cost will increase to $50. You can register on our website.

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