Caring and Prayer Ministries

Communion Server Ministry
This ministry involves those of us who are not ordained clergy (we are called laity) in bringing the bread and the grape juice (communion elements) to anyone who is unable to attend the worship service when communion is served (i.e. those who are hospitalized, homebound, etc.). It will require some training and a limited time commitment for visitation and follow-up. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact Mary Garbesi.

Intercessory Prayer Group and Prayer Chain
If you have a prayer request, an illness, problem, concern, etc. for which you would like prayer support, you may place the request on the back of the attendance card in the pewpocket; place it in the collection plate with your name and phone number. You can also call the church office or email the church with your request. We will place your concern on the prayer list for thirty days. We request that you offer updates by calling or emailing the church office or Mary Garbesi.

The actual Prayer Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month at 9:30 am in Room 303. The Prayer Chain is a network of persons who pray in response to those who request prayers. If you wish to be a part of the prayer group/prayer chain, please call Mary Garbesi in the church office.

Gates Chapel (Just south of the main sanctuary on 11th St) is open for prayer and meditation during the week (from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm) and on Sunday mornings. Come whenever you wish during these hours for your own time of private prayer.

Christian Meditation and Centering Prayer
This Group meets every Wednesday evening at 7:30 in the balcony entry area (south end) of the sanctuary. During this time the group practices two methods of prayer, both involving a way of listening for the voice of God. In the first practice a short piece of scripture is read and reflected upon using three different questions. The second practice is centering prayer when the group sits in silence for twenty minutes, using a “sacred” word to help focus the mind, and practicing being in the present moment in the presence of God. No prior experience with either of these practices is necessary. Instructions are given and questions encouraged. Call Mary Garbesi for more information at 310-393-8258.

Prayer Quilt Ministry Support the Prayer Quilt Ministry

What is a Prayer Quilt?
A Prayer Quilt is a personal quilt, tied with heavy thread. These threads are tied with a square knot by members of the congregation during a worship service. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered for the person receiving the quilt. There is no cost for the quilt - it is a gift of love and prayer. It is a statment of our faith in God and our belief in God's power to comfort, strengthen, and heal.

Who makes the quilts?
Anyone who wants to! You do not need to know how to quilt. Remember, the purpose is to provide prayers through the tying of the knots. A quilt, no matter how simple, is a gift from the heart. We meet on the third Saturday of every month in Rm 300.

Who are the quilt recipients?
Prayer Quilts are for people in special need of prayer, primarily due to serious illness or injury, and challenging life circumstances.

Is this ministry for you?
You don't need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! There are many tasks to do. If you'd like to be a part of this rewarding ministry, We'd love to have you. Then you can become a witness to the awesomeness of prayer.

There are three guiding principles for this ministry:
-The recipient agrees to receive the prayers and the quilt (no surprises please!)
-The purpose is prayer, not the quilt
-There is not charge for the quilt - it is a gift of love

To REQUEST a Prayer Quilt
1) Talk to the intended recipient:
-Ask if the person is willing to be prayed for and to receive a quilt.
-Ask how much of their situation may be shared publicly.
-Ask what specific prayers are wished for
2) Contact Maile Marquand or Sue Payne.
3) Select the quilt if some are already made, or suggest colors if one is to be made.
4) Ask family and friends to attend the worship service when the quilt is "prayed."
5) Be present at church on the day of the praying and take the quilt to the recipient.
6) If possible, take a picture of the recipient and the quilt for our scrapbook.

Prayers and Squares, the Prayer Quilt Ministry, began near San Diego in 1992. FUMC became a chapter in 2003. Churchs of many denominations are part of Prayers and Squares. Hundreds, maybe thousands of quilts have been made and "prayed," each a gift of love. Unlike many other organizations that make quilts for charitable purposes, the purpose of Prayers & Squares is not to make and distribute quilts, but to promote prayer through the use of quilts.

"Inspirational Stories" from Chapter 279 in New Orleans, LA; Grace Episcopal Church (Charmaine, who sent the letter, is the woman who requested prayer quilts for New Orleans last November; we responded to her request by sending 8 prayer quilts to Bethany UMC and another 10 to her church. This new letter from her is very touching-telling about some of the recipients of prayer quilts and also about how hard it still is in that area.)

Prayers and Squares International Newsletter.

Contact the church office for more information.

Labyrinth
Schedule

Send Prayer Request