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BeFriender Ministry is a national, ecumenical organization that provides leadership training and program support for a listening ministry of lay Pastoral care. Since the early 1980s, BeFrienders have been providing skilled Pastoral care in Churches throughout the nation. Who are the people who need a BeFriender? Everyone is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a reminder of our caring faith community here at St. Paul. Maybe it is a single parent struggling with raising children or a person living with a chronic illness. Perhaps it is an unemployed head of household weary from job hunting or someone tired of being under-employed. Or maybe you are a new mom adjusting to caring for a baby or an aging parent. Or someone experiencing the loss of a loved one, a job or a pet. BeFrienders are a listening Godly presence providing pastoral care for people who may be overwhelmed by life's challenges . BeFrienders are trained lay volunteers who extend the care of a faith community. A BeFriender is someone who:
MEETING GROWING NEEDS FOR PASTORAL CARE Our BeFriender Ministry program here at St. Paul Lutheran Church benefits our congregation in many ways.
ABOUT BEFRIENDER MINISTRY AT ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH Our BeFrienders are truly lead by God to join a most rewarding ministry. They are fully trained lay people spiritually partnered with someone going through some of life's difficult moments. They are trained to be a nonjudgmental Godly presence, actively listening, and praying for and with their partner. A BeFriender does not come to gain information. Rather, he or she will listen and respond, trying to support you at this difficult time without giving advice or making judgments. And BeFrienders are comfortable with silence. It is not a ministry of "doing" - but of "being," - being present and listening quietly. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:19-21 Dear heavenly Father, please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start each day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not complain over things I have no control, but rather turn to you for all my comfort and strength. You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak…Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood, and for those who don't know you intimately. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands dear Lord, for you to fight. Amen.
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Contact Information: P.O. Box 185, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 Phone: (920) 467-6449 Last Updated On 10/26/08 |
