“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction

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- James 1:27a

In response to God’s call and inspired by the hope, life, and peace that Jesus brings us in the face of sin, St. Paul has created a Widow/Widower’s Ministry. This outreach program is designed to offer companionship, support, and the comforting love of Christ to those who have lost a spouse, recognizing their vulnerability and need for community. Through this ministry, we seek to share the reassuring presence of Jesus, providing both spiritual and emotional care to those who have experienced loss.

This ministry takes place on three different levels.

• The first is through a one-on-one connection. When a spouse passes, an Ambassador from the Ministry will contact the new widow or widower in the hope of setting a time to visit. The Ambassador will bring a gift basket and a listening ear, along with the comfort of God’s Word and prayer. Through similar, regular visits, we hope to show the widow or widower that we do care about them and hope to keep their connection to God and their church strong.
• Second, widows and widowers are invited to take part in occasional opportunities to gather together in a large group in order to socialize and enjoy time together.
• Third, our Widow/Widower’s Ministry recognizes the fact that, with the passing of a spouse, life has been fundamentally altered, and while we understand that no two situations are alike, we also believe that the best person to connect with someone newly grieving is one who has walked that same road. Even before meeting, they share a special bond. Through that, and through God’s Gospel, we hope to bring real comfort to widows and widowers in their grief and to keep them trusting in the love and hope of Jesus.

The ministry leader is Tricia Berke; if you would like to be connected to her, or learn more about our Widow/Widower’s Ministry, please call our Church Office.