The Befrienders Ministry will be starting up, even as you read this article.  It is a new, exciting, and caring adventure for all the members of our congregation.  It does not take the place of any program now operating in our church, and it's not a counseling or a crisis program: it IS you and me being a friend to another person in this church when that person needs a friend.

     All of us need someone to talk to, and all of us have already befriended others who were hurting or lonely - so, what makes this program different?  Well, hopefully the Befrienders approach will give shape to those moments of contact.  It will assure the needing person that they have a reliable, confidential, responsible friend who has the support and the backing of the pastors and the church family.  Our Befrienders will listen, share, and keep confidential all that they hear.  Their support will be the pastor and their Befriender group.  And, if a Befriender sees a special need, for example Communion for their friend, they will share that with the pastor so that the pastor may carry that to that person.  All the Befrienders will do is what any friend would do.

     This is not crisis ministry.  Befrienders will be with a family that is grieving a month or two after the death; they'll stop by with the bride or groom a few months after the wedding; they'll see the baby or be with the housebound after others have left.

     How can you help?  Well, first we need Befrienders.  And the only requirement for filling out the application is "caring".  Secondly, we need you to tell us about individuals in the congregation that you've worried about, that you think might need a visit.  We'll make the contact and, (if you want), not mention your name.  Finally we need your prayers for this new venture by our church.  Think?pray?an "organized" ministry of "doing what you do naturally."   Once a month, maybe a Sunday at 4:30 pm if you wish, come meet with Pr. Ken in the Social Hall at Grace Lutheran.  Share stories (not confidentiality).  "Treats with Pr. Ken and Susan".

     Befrienders is nation-wide.  It operates through many denominations, and it is growing daily.  We ask you to join us, to pray for us, and to let us know the needs in the community that you see.  If you know of a person you think would be a good Befriender - but you know they'd never suggest themselves - give a "nudge" and suggest them.  If you have questions, talk to Pastor Ken.  Remember the words of our Lord in John 13:35 "As I have loved you so you must love one another.  If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."