Caring Ministry
Christ Jesus moves among us and joins us in the work we are called to serve in our church family at First Lutheran Church. As a community of believers, we seek to listen to the leadings of the Holy Spirit and act upon God’s calling, together and individually. We are here to serve with each other in times of need, in joy and in sorrow; recognizing the privilege of being chosen to experience amazing gifts from God as we offer our time, talent, love, and compassion in Jesus' Name.
Grief Support MinistryThe Grief Support Ministry Team maintains contact with families during the first year following the loss of a loved one. We work to assure families that First Lutheran recognizes their grief is painful and we continue to offer prayers of comfort to them during this tender time. A memorial gift in honor of their lost loved ones is sent to a family member at the first year anniversary.
A Grief Support Center has also been established in our church library. Reading materials are available to all who may be grieving. It is hoped that the congregation will become familiar with this Center and find it helpful to refer others to it. We continue to enhance this ministry and seek new ways to reach out to those who have experienced a loss. If you know of someone who could use our support or have ideas for our outreach, please contact Barbara Skogman by calling 319-533-6600 or at BarbaraS@firstlutherancr.org. |
Stephen Ministry
Are you feeling stressed by something in your life? Have you just moved to town and are feeling lonely? Have you just had a baby and are feeling overwhelmed? Are you experiencing a loss of any kind?
Contact First Lutheran Church at 365-1494 and ask for a Stephen Minister. You will be connected to one of the Pastors who will return your call if unavailable. Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one Christian care to men and women who have experienced or are going through a crisis situation in their lives. While they are not professional counselors or therapists, they are trained and supervised volunteers. They are there to listen, support and comfort individuals without expecting anything in return, and yet in their ministry they are filled and fulfilled in unexpected wonderful ways as they care about and care for others.
If you feel like you could use some help working through a crisis, please contact Visitation Pastor Leroy Bradway or Stephen Leader Chris Maakestad, who can confidentially help you get paired up with a Stephen Minister. We will start a new training group for Stephen Minister Care Givers this Spring; most likely after Easter. It will be on Thursday evenings from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Contact Pastor Leroy for more information or to sign-up for the course. Pastor Bradway can be reached in the church office at 365-1494 x.105 or leroyb@firstlutherancr.org. Mrs. Maakestad can be reached at 366-2650 or cmaakestad@ImOnMail.com GriefShare Support Group |
Comfort Makers
The Comfort Makers group tie quilts, mend bedding, make children’s blankets and provide other garments for those in need of warmth, either physically or emotionally. Quilts go to local organizations and as far away as Africa. All ages and skill levels are welcome in this group. They meet at 9:30 a.m. the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month in the lower level of the church. They break at 11;30 a.m. for devotions & fellowship, and wrap-up at about 2:30 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering contact Sue Olmstead through at the church office at 365-1494.
Solace Servers
The Solace Servers are a group of dedicated volunteers whose purpose is to provide comfort and support following a funeral service by serving lunch to a grieving family and their friends. Each time Solace Servers are needed, members are contacted from a list of willing participants on a rotating basis. If you are unable to serve at the luncheons, another way you can participate by donating a salad or cake. If this caring ministry appeals to your heart, please contact co-coordinators Joan Rust or Sue Olmstead through the church office at 365-1494.
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