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Topic: Ministry With Those Who Serve

A cross pin reflects Cmdr. Laura Bender’s service to the military. Photo by Jay Malin, UMNS
A cross pin reflects Cmdr. Laura Bender’s service to the military. Photo by Jay Malin, UMNS
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Although we oppose war and urge nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution, The United Methodist Church “honors, supports, and upholds in our prayers those men and women who serve in our armed services and, in addition, honors and supports those United Methodist clergy who serve as chaplains.” (Resolution 5061, “Prayer and Support for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans,” Book of Resolutions.)

We also are committed to providing pastoral ministry to members of the armed forces and their families both during their service and after their return home. Congregations are encouraged to support those serving through prayer and to welcome their participation in the ministry of the church once they return.

The church also advocates on behalf of veterans, particularly those who are suffering from physical and emotional injuries, for medical care and benefits to promote their healing and successful return to civilian life.

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Global Health
Doug Yetter (left), director of music at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., accompanies the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County Choir during its performance April 10 at the church. Keeping active though singing and other physical activity can hold off progression of the disease. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Joy of singing aids people with Parkinson’s
At Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, there’s a new choir in town. It offers people with Parkinson’s disease tools to cope, including music and community.
Global Health
Tim’s Place offers a safe, welcoming space for persons with memory loss and trained volunteers to build community together. Photo by Tim's Place, courtesy of the Pacific Northwest Conference.

Church helps families dealing with dementia
Trinity United Methodist Church started Tim’s Place to provide support for individuals with memory loss and time for their caregivers to recharge. The ministry was “a dream to help overwhelmed caregivers have some respite from their daily duties,” said program director Rhonda Heyn. Patrick Scriven has the story.
The Rev. Kathy Heustess, director of the Center for Wellbeing, meets with clients in her Knoxville office as well as in Johnson City and Chattanooga and remotely. Photo by Ben Smith, Holston Conference.

Help for clergy with disaffiliation stress
Some clergy are still struggling with decisions about their future, including whether to “stay or go” in The United Methodist Church. The Holston Conference’s Center for Wellbeing aims to help pastors and lay staff members deal with disaffiliation and other stresses. Annette Spence reports.

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