Prayer and Care

By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:35
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Matthew 25:40

We believe that there are many ways to love and care for each other… and all of them point to Jesus.  The congregation of St. Michael’s has a variety of ways to care for our hurting members, their families and friends.

• Staff/Elder Prayer List – This is a staff-led ministry that offers confidential prayer for others in need. These prayer requests and updates are collected from pew Connect Cards during worship services or may be directed to the office at office@smlcb.org. You can also submit a prayer request through the Church Center app. These requests are shared weekly with all staff and elders, who have committed to praying together for the people of St. Michael’s, the church, our community, and our world. Submissions to this prayer list could include follow-up communication from the Care Minister or Pastoral staff.
• Stephen Ministry – Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay-people to provide one-to-one Christian care to those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as grief, job loss, divorce, anxiety, health challenges, and more. It is a confidential ministry.  The identity of those receiving care and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remain private.  A Stephen Minister is a caring, Christian friend who meets faithfully with his or her care-receiver for as long as there’s a need. To confidentially request more information about meeting with a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Pat Simmons at 952-230-2012 or email StephMin@smlcb.org. For more information about Stephen Ministry, check out these links: stephenministries.org/stories, stephenministries.org/serve.
• Visitation Team – If you are homebound, in transitional care or hospitalized, a trained and caring member will visit you and encourage you with a smile and a listening ear, and a word of encouragement. Contact Visitation Chaplain Jack Stanek at 952-324-5731.
• Card Ministry – Cards are sent to those who are hospitalized or having surgery (after the office has been notified); those who are homebound (typically monthly); and members over 84 who are having a birthday.
• Gideon Comfort Dog is a trained LCC K-9 Comfort Dog at St. Michael’s. He interacts with people in churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, events, and in disaster response situations. Gideon is a friend who brings a calming influence and allows people to open up their hearts and receive help in time of need. He is available to visit; contact the office at 952-831-5276. Check out his Facebook page too!
• Transportation Team- People are available to drive people to and from worship services, medical appointments, and other church events. Please contact the church office and we’ll connect you with the Transportation Team leader.
• Funeral Planning Form: Click Here and turn into the church office. We can keep this funeral planning form on file at the church as a benefit to you and your family.

Additional Care Resources

• Counseling Resources – If you are looking for a counselor, the LCMS South District has an excellent web page to get you started. https://www.mnsdistrict.org/counseling
• GriefShare Group – GriefShare is a network of 12,000 + churches worldwide equipped to offer grief support groups. The program is nondenominational and features biblical concepts for healing from your grief. Learn more about GriefShare – click here
• Housing Help for Seniors – Click here for resources on assisted living in Minnesota.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – An AA chapter meets at St. Michael’s each Monday night at 7 pm. Anyone is welcome. Please check our calendar to confirm dates/times.
• Seniors Helping Seniors – Have you found yourself in a new season of life with different daily living challenges for you or your aging loved ones? Here is a helpful resource that offers help from other seniors regarding a wide variety of services, such as running errands, light housekeeping, cooking, companionship, handyman repairs, etc.  Let us know if you’d like assistance in pursuing this. office@smlcb.org