Offering Hope
Friends,
A few months ago, we received a call from a woman whose husband had just passed away. She had no ties to University. She had never been to our church. She was completely overwhelmed when a friend suggested she contact us.
We were happy to step in and minister to this family in their time of need. We had a beautiful memorial service and reception. As that sweet woman left that day, she hugged the women who hosted the reception and said, “Thank you. Even though I lost my husband, I now I feel like I have a home and a family at University”.
Something powerful happens when we are able to offer care in the name of Christ to people in times of great distress. People who are hopeless find hope. People who are hurting find comfort. And people who are lost and alone find family and home.
I am privileged to see this kind of action of Christ first hand as I go about ministry week in and week out but I want to invite you to be a part of this wonderful work of Christ too.
There are two caring ministries in particular that are in need of your help: Stephen Ministry and Comfort and Joy Funeral Reception Ministry.
Stephen Ministry offers compassion and care in a one on one relationship with people who are going through tough times in their lives. You will hear more about this ministry in worship on Sunday and we invite you to join us to learn even more over lunch on Sunday at 12:15 in the John Wesley Room.
Comfort and Joy is a new ministry that is hosting receptions following funerals and memorial services. We need folks to help serve and host these receptions but if you are not able to do that, we also need volunteers who are willing to bring cookies, sandwiches, etc. On June 4th, Comfort and Joy is hosting a luncheon in the John Wesley Room to recruit volunteers and discuss how you can help.
I hope you'll consider coming to these lunches to see how Christ might be calling you.
Christ is calling University to be a beacon of care to our community. I need your help to do that. Christ really can use YOU to transform the pain in this world.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Holly