Ministries of Healing and Comfort | Bethlehem United Church of Christ

Ministries of Healing and Comfort

At Bethlehem, we know God’s presence is important to healing and comfort. We take extra care to provide ministries to our members who are sick or have limited mobility, and let them know they are still an important part of our church family. Many of our members commit their time and talents to serving in these ministries.

Visitor of the Week

A weekly volunteer is designated as the person who checks up on our members who have been sick, hospitalized, or need a little extra care.  This ministry includes visits, calls, and/or sending cards. They also deliver flowers from the altar to our members who have been selected to receive them.

Called to Care

Our Minister of Visitation works alongside a team of laypeople to offer a ministry of presence to our Limited Mobility members.  The Called 2 Care team is comprised of about a dozen volunteers who each visit one or two Limited Mobility individuals every month.  Our Called 2 Care members visit folks in their homes, in retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.  Additionally, Rev. Slade visits each Limited Mobility member every month, offering a service of Holy Communion.  Bethlehem's Called 2 Care ministry seeks to maintain connections with our members and friends of the church who can no longer be physically present with us week-to-week.

Transportation to Worship

A few of our dedicated members use their vehicles to pick up limited mobility members and provide transportation to Sunday worship as needed. Anyone needing transportation to worship can contact the church office to be put in touch with this ministry team. 

Prayer Ministry

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have to help those in need.  When you or someone you know is in need of prayer, you can simply call the church office and request to be included in our prayer chain and/or weekly bulletin prayer list.  Both a phone and email prayer chain can be activated immediately.  The bulletin prayer list is shared weekly during worship, and those names are included for prayer in our congregation's weekly email, unless otherwise specified.

Additional Ministries

In addition to the ministries listed above, many Sunday school classes, small groups, and fellowship groups organize their own ways to reach out to members of their group.  Some will provide meal trains, transportation, help around the house, child care, and of course prayer when someone in their group is going through a difficult time.  The network of support from these groups is amazing.

Weekly Email