We are members of Christ's Church, personally engaged in spiritual growth, outreach, and fellowship. (Asbury UMC's Vision Statement)
Asbury United Methodist Church
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

Care Ministry

 
Jesus told Peter, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:16 Later, Peter tells us all, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” 1 Peter 5:2
 
At Asbury, we want to follow Jesus’ teachings by showing our love and care to the members of our congregation. The Asbury Care Ministry has been growing! Many thanks to all of the people who are helping Asbury reach out to meet the needs of our  congregation. We have made meals, sent cards, provided transportation, and other services that have helped Asbury members. Our Parish Nursing Team, led by Becky Weidig, has been conducting blood pressure screenings, organizing visitation of members, and helping with information about medical issues. Our team is ALWAYS  ooking for more people to volunteer, especially to visit members and to prepare an easy meal for members in need. We also need you to pass the word that our Care Ministry Team is available if needed. You can call the church office and ask for the Care Ministry Team and we are willing to help!
Betsy Peters, Care Ministry Team
  
The Care Ministry team continues to look for ways we can minister to each other at Asbury. We are starting a program to visit or call people who are homebound.   If you would be interested in being paired with someone who is not able to get out, please call the church office. We also would like to provide transportation to church on Sunday mornings. If you are in need of a ride to church, please contact us through the church office.
 
The Care Ministry Team is growing and we are working to help members of Asbury.   We have many great volunteers, but we would love to add to our list. If you would be willing to make a meal, provide transportation or send cards, please call the church office.
 
From the Care Ministry Team for February:
               
Since we will celebrate Valentine's Day February 14th, it seems appropriate to talk about heart health.  Dr. Dean Ornish, MD, says our hearts need more than a healthy diet and regular exercise to remain healthy or even to heal from a cardiac event.  Our hearts also benefit from close relationships.  We have seen, over the past 50 years, a radical shift in our culture and a breakdown in the family.  Spending time with friends and loved ones is a basic human need; as basic as eating, breathing, and sleeping.  That need often goes unfulfilled in our culture and may be a threat to our health.   Here are some ways to help support heart health:
 
1. Share feelings with a family member or trusted friend or even join a support group.
2. Learn how to forgive.  Forgiving others does not excuse their behavior, but it frees us from the negative effects of anger and resentment.
3. Help someone.  Doing volunteer work or just lending a helping hand is a powerful tonic for isolation and loneliness.
4. Attending church and making time for daily prayer strengthened our spiritual life.
5. Touching others, whether with a handshake or a hug, is heart healthy.
6. Making a commitment to someone gives us a safe zone in which we can be vulnerable.
 
As we celebrate Valentine's Day, find a new way to reach out and love someone.  There is a great reward -- your own heart health. I came across this Irish Blessing the other day -- "May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand and never close his fist too tight." 
 
Becky Weidig,
Care Ministry