By Margaret Thomsen

BeFriender Ministry – God’s Love shared through listening – has a trained group of BeFrienders serving area churches.

A BeFriender is a confidential listener, supporting persons, without giving advice or making judgments. The service is free. BeFriender Ministry is a national organization encouraging laity to support their church families and pastors with pastoral care visitation. A BeFriender is available for those experiencing grief, loss and transition. It is not a ministry of “doing”, but of “being” – being present and listening. A BeFriender is a supportive visitor but does not take the place of family, pastor or friends.

The Gladbrook United Methodist, Traer United Methodist and Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook have formed a cluster to offer these listeners to walk along-side persons going through a difficult situation or life transition. A group of lay persons from these churches celebrated finishing their training and internship by being commissioned Sunday, August 30th in Traer and September 13th at both Gladbrook churches.

A new training will be offered this fall beginning October 24th and 25th. For more information contact pastors of these churches or Carolyn Moe, administrator for the program.

A laying on of Hands was held at Peace Church by Rev. Robert Doner for the newly trained group. Pictured l-r are Randy Ohrt, Carolyn Moe, Ron Busch, Kay Lowry, Mary Ann Reed and Rev. Robert Doner. Not present for the picture were Pat Clausen, Marilyn Bauch and Nancy Heise.