Care Ministries

Focus on Grief (FOG) is a ministry here at Lindenwald Church reaching those who are experiencing loss - loss of a family member, friend, or pet; loss of the health of a family member; or any other loss. The focus of this ministry will be helping individuals and families work through grief which is a natural part of loss. The intention is not to focus on solving grief problems, but to offer a time and place where individuals can come together in an atmosphere of love, support, and healing. Persons may attend as many sessions as they desire; actively participate in small group discussions; or sit quietly, reflecting and letting God minister. The duration of each session is approximately an hour. Those who need a ride may contact any team member. If this ministry speaks to your or to someone you know, please plan to attend and encourage others to come, also. Grief is like a tunnel - the bad part is that it is dark inside and the good part is that there is light at the end. Journeying through the darkness of the tunnel can be easier if you have other caring Christians walking beside you. Focus on Grief is currently meeting each Monday evening at 7:00 pm. For more information on our Focus on Grief Group, email Jo-Etta.

The Stephen Ministry Program began with Rev. Ken Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, in 1975. He wanted to provide care to individuals who are experiencing crisis in their lives. Today there are over 7500 congregations, representing over 90 Christian organizations, involved with the Stephen Ministry program. Our church joined the Stephen Ministry in 1997. What is a Stephen Minister? A Stephen Minister is a Christian lay person (care giver) who offers a listening ear to help others through the tough times in life. The care givers are matched with persons in need and usually meet with a person (care receiver) once a week for an hour. The care giver offers a ready ear, extreme confidentiality, and a non-judgmental atmosphere. If you or someone you know could benefit from a trained, caring Christian friend, contact Pastor Val, Judy Nesselroad or the church office.

The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry and is staffed by Christian volunteers. When a call comes in, a person will answer the phone, receive the prayer request, and pray with that person. After the call, the prayer concern will be forwarded to one of 350 Upper Room Covenant Prayer Groups located all over the world, who will pray for the request. More than 20,000 prayer requests are received at the center each month. To protect privacy of those requesting prayer, each request is edited before it is sent to the prayer groups. The request is edited to remove any information that would identify the person or situation needing prayer. Lindenwald United Methodist is participating as one of the prayer groups mentioned above, receiving prayers from the center on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. We meet in the church office on those evenings. If you feel that this is something you would like to be involved in, please contact  church office.

James 5:15 says, "The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven." Jeremiah 29:12 says, "Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you."