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BeFriender Ministry is:
a ministry of presence and holy listening. We journey with
fellow parishioners as they struggle with physical, emotional and
spiritual challenges in their lives.
a ministry of mutuality. As we give, we also receive. The
person has requested or agreed to have a BeFriender minister visit
them. The referral can come directly from the person in need to a
clergy person or a BeFriender.
a ministry of respect without judgment. We do not pass judgment
on
the Other, but encourage
the Other
with unconditional love and prayer support.
a ministry of "being" rather than "doing". We bring an open
heart to sense the presence of God, an open mind to think about how
with God's help to be supportive, and open ears to listen and observe
the other in love and compassion. We are not called to "do" anything
to fix the problem or situation.
a ministry of compassion. As our Baptismal Covenant states, we
reach out in love and compassion striving for justice and peace among
all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. We seek to
serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.
a ministry of prayer. We pray for God's guidance before we
visit with another, asking for the highest good for that person. We
pray for healing and wholeness in body, mind and spirit for everyone.
We end our visits with a prayer and continue to pray for this person
and their family daily. We pray in thanksgiving for the promise of God
to be with us always.
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