On Monday afternoons at First United Methodist Church in Watertown, South Dakota, a group of women gather for coffee and conversations.
First United Methodist Church United Methodist Church is a part of the Dakotas Annual Conference.
It is not a worship service, formal prayer group, or Bible study. It is a casual, supportive group. Conversation is centered around supporting each other as caregivers for different situations. Some individuals are caring for a spouse or family member. Others are dealing with or recovering from an illness.
"I am a caregiver for a husband who is disabled. On Monday afternoons, someone comes to my house and is with him, and I go to Coffee and Conversations. I needed a group that I could have conversations with and connect with," said Roxie Shultz, an organizer for the group.
The group began meeting at the church last fall. "It is a simple time to have fellowship around crafting and the common focus of caregiving," said Rev. Sara McManus, senior pastor at Watertown First UMC.
The group talks about the challenges they face as caregivers, and share resources with each other.
"If you don't know the resources out there, you are not taking advantage of them. Some people share ideas or helpful equipment or tools," describes Roxie. "It is a chance to be in fellowship and be in prayer with other caregivers."
There is a range of 8-14 people that attend. After the group started meeting in September, word spread outside the church walls to people who were not members of First UMC.
Currently, the group is providing some personal caregiving for Shultz. She recently had eye surgery. She has had group members support her as she recovers, buying groceries, giving rides, and visiting. "I have felt the love and support from so many," said Roxie.
Pastor McManus spends weekly time with the group.
Each month, the group dedicates a session to just conversation. The other weeks, people engage in crafting.
"As caregivers, we forget that we are important people and that God has a plan for us, too. My husband does not need much socialization. I do. I live 13 miles out in the country. The group reminds me that I need to take 'me time,'" said Roxie. "When you are hanging out alone, it is easy to get angry with God. This group reminds me that God has not forgotten me."
The purpose is not to grow big and not to serve everyone in the entire congregation.
"The focused group is good for our souls," said Pastor Sara. "The laughter is incredible."
Four couples connected through Coffee and Conversations have decided to gather socially. The couples have gathered for Christmas and Valentine's dinner and are setting up a spring dinner.
Roxie explains, "My husband enjoyed learning that other people will talk to me, and they will try their best to understand me. After having a massive stroke, talking is a challenge."
This simple, small group has created a significant impact. "I am blessed, and this group has impacted my faith. I feel good when I walk out of each week. I feel loved," shares Roxie.
excerpt from a story by Doreen Gosmire, Dakotas Conference
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
