We recap Christmas and look ahead to 2024. Care will continue to be essential in the life of the church and community in the new year. We seek to deepen the work of care in even more churches and communitites in 2024 and invite you to join the efforts to cultivate the culture of care.

To Support the Work of Care: https://caring-congregation-inc.networkforgood.com/projects/203132-join-the-harvest

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How can we create spaces and places and give symbols of hope to those struggling with Christmas? We explore ideas like Blue Christmas services and the healing power of including lay people in the services. We also talk about how gifting plants can be a symbol of hope and life for those who are struggling. Guest: Rev. Amy Forsythe-Alexander

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Crowley First United Methodist Church: crowleyumc.com

North Texas and Central Texas UMC: offerhopenow.com

Processing a big holiday, like Thanksgiving, gives us insight and understanding of our emotions. Having someone to listen is helpful; that’s why it’s an essential element as a caregiver. It is also a tool necessary to encounter the world, especially as we approach the Christmas holiday, where emotions are tender.

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Book mentioned, by Ginger Rothhaas: https://gingerrothhaas.com/book

We kick off the holidays with Thanksgiving in America in just a few days. Many of us will gather with family and prepare a special meal, but some of us struggle with loss and grief and are overwhelmed by world events. How do we process these emotions and be present in a time of gratitude, staying in the mind of Christ Jesus?

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Prayer by Bishop Carder: https://shiftingmargins.com/2018/09/09/prayer-for-those-who-have-too-much/

Rev. Lori Silvestri shares with us what it’s like being a parent of a child with special needs and medical conditions. How can the church help parents in crisis, offering support and care?

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To connect w/Rev. Lori: [email protected]

What do you do when your beloved United Methodist Church decides to disaffiliate, but you wish to remain? A church member in the Great Plains Conference processes her grief and sadness while she and others work to form a new United Methodist faith community. Hear their story of hope.

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As a survivor who navigated a way forward after decades of sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution, and addiction, Rev. Yevette Christy, reclaims her story and helps others find the same freedom and healing. She is a pastor, speaker, and advocate, and founded The Reclamation Project. She shares the care she needed in crisis and inspires us to care for those in a similar situation.

thereclamationproject.org

thecaringcongregation.com

@thecaringcongregation

As a survivor who navigated a way forward after decades of sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution, and addiction, Rev. Yevette Christy, reclaims her story and helps others find the same freedom and healing. She is a pastor, speaker, and advocate, and founded The Reclamation Project. She shares the care she needed in crisis and inspires us to care for those in a similar situation.

thereclamationproject.org

thecaringcongregation.com

@thecaringcongregation

After the devastating loss of their son, Nick, Anne and Kevin Timmons share with us their grief journey and the difference they are making for mental health awareness. This is part two of a two-part episode. To listen to part one: https://on.soundcloud.com/yhH43

To listen from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud, search “The Caring Congregation”.

Additional Resources-

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Fore The Kids Foundation: forethekidskc.org

Suicide Awareness: Save.org

thecaringcongregation.com

@thecaringcongregation

After the devastating loss of their son, Nick, Anne and Kevin Timmons share with us their grief journey and the difference they are making for mental health awareness. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Additional Resources-

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Fore The Kids Foundation: forethekidskc.org

Suicide Awareness: Save.org

thecaringcongregation.com

@thecaringcongregation