Amidst the expectation of advent — the hope, love, joy, and peace — many among us struggle during the holiday season. Ozark UMC’s Congregational Care Ministry exists to provide care year round for those struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Though the focus of the Congregational Care Ministry is for those in the hospital, rehabilitation, and shut-ins, the ministry is open and available to all who are in need, whether it’s support to get through the holidays or beyond.
James 5: 13-16 provides guidance for the Congregational Care Ministry:
“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way the Congregational Care Ministry has operated. Restrictions on visitation in hospitals and care facilities have shifted the efforts primarily to making timely phone calls and providing prayer support. If you would like to be contacted by the Congregational Care Ministry — or if you would like to volunteer to provide care and prayers for others — contact David Bell at davidbell@ozarkumc.org.
As part of our Congregational Care Ministry, Ozark UMC is hosting an open prayer meeting tonight, Wednesday, December 16th, from 7pm to 8pm. This is a come-and-go prayer meeting, where all are invited, whether suffering, cheerful, sick, or otherwise, to lay down the cares and burdens you are carrying this advent season at the feet of our Lord. You are invited to join us on Zoom at 7pm using the following login credentials:
Meeting ID: 954 057 9315
Passowrd: oumc2020
May the peace of Christ be upon you and with you throughout this advent season.
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