CARING MINISTRIES

We love because God first loved us. As the author of 1 John writes, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another." In Holy Baptism, not only are we made God’s children, we are empowered and called to share the love we have received with others. This means that caring gifts are distributed among and shared by all of God’s people.

Bethel Lutheran church is a caring community. Whether it is a kind word or prayer petition shared during worship, or a card sent and a meal delivered, we make God’s love visible.

Pastoral Care—Bethel’s pastors seek to engage those in need –both members and non-members during life’s passages. We celebrate with those who welcome children into the family, help prepare for marriage, and stand with those who experience the loss of a relationship, a job, physical ability, or a loved one. The calling of a pastor is to be ‘particularly available’ during times of need.

Bethel also provides a Visitation Pastor who calls on the homebound and provides a crucial connection with Bethel Lutheran for those who live in institutional or homebound settings.

Loaves and Fishes—Just as Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, so we are assured that the people of Bethel Lutheran stand ready to share gifts to support each other in times of need. Whether it is a ride to school when a parent is recovering from surgery, help with meals for a few days, assistance in putting on storm windows or lawn work, or providing support to people who have experienced major loss, members can be helpful.

If you need help of this nature, please contact our Loaves and Fishes Coordinator, Rochelle Peterson (974-8932) . For those who wish to help, Loaves and Fishes Inventories are available in the church office (235-5450) blc@bethelinwillmar.org.

Services of Healing:

Because we recognize that healing is an integral part of the ministry of God’s people, every 5^th Sunday in the month we offer a Service of the Word for Healing that offers the opportunity to receive the "laying on of hands" and prayer for healing wholeness. Since salvation means God’s bringing wholeness and new creation to a broken world through Jesus Christ, we invite people to come forward for "laying on of hands" for: physical and emotional illness, restoration of important relationships, and peace in larger communities.

Outreach:

All of God’s gifts are given to be shared. The people of Bethel Lutheran are committed to providing care and healing wherever we can. We are especially concerned with the welfare and future of Downtown Willmar and stand ready to offer our energies and imaginations to work with others in making this downtown a better and healthier place. Whether it is working with Rice Hospital, youth service projects, sharing the gift of beauty through Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! and other festivals, we want the caring we receive in Christ to pour out of our front doors.