Care Ministry
The Care Ministry at Lake Deaton is here to offer prayer, comfort, and support through every season of life. Our ministries include Stephen Ministers, Congregational Care Ministers, Card Ministry, Prayer Quilts and Shawls, Grief Support, Cancer Support, Healing Prayer, Prayer Group, and Pet Ministry.
You are also welcome to visit our Prayer Room (CR 1) at any time the church office is open. It is located down the hallway past the Sobremesa Cafe.
For assistance or more information, contact Janice Braden, Care Ministry Assistant, at 352-571-4665 or jbraden@lakedeatonumc.com.
Interested in serving?
We welcome everyone who feels called to share God's love through the Care Ministry.
PRAYER SERVICE
We are called to pray in many ways, giving thanks to God for His abundant blessings and lifting up the needs of others and ourselves in prayer.
Our Prayer Warriors faithfully pray each week for the individuals and requests on our prayer list. These requests are gathered from several sources, including:
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Prayer Quilts and Shawls
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Prayer cards submitted during weekly worship services
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Online prayer requests submitted through our church website
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Prayer requests placed in the collection box
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Prayer requests submitted at the Connection Center
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Prayer requests received by calling the church office
Through these prayers, we share God’s love, offer encouragement, and lift one another up in faith. If you would like to join our Prayer Team, please contact Jaanice at jbraden@lakedeatonumc.com.
PRAYER REQUEST & VISITS
We're Here for You...
Do you have a prayer request or need support? Call our Care Department at 352-571-4665 or submit your request online using the button above.
If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please let us know so we can arrange a visit from our pastoral team or Congregational Care Ministers.
During difficult times, including the loss of a loved one, our Congregational Care Ministers and Stephen Ministers are here to offer support, prayer, and encouragement.
At Lake Deaton, we want you to feel connected, grow in faith, and find meaningful ways to serve. You are not alone—we're here for you!
GRIEFSHARE MINISTRY
Grief is a natural part of human experience. Care Ministry of Lake Deaton offers Grief Support Sessions and other resources to help people experience comfort and strength on their journey through grief to acceptance and hope.
Grief Support Resources, in addition to the Stephen Ministry and Grief Support Sessions, which are scheduled periodically throughout the year include:
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Telephone encouragement and prayer support
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Resources for immediate loss
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Resources for moving ahead
HEALING PRAYER SERVICE
Healing prayer is a time set aside to usher in Holy Spirit's presence to bring about healing that only God can provide. It is a confidential prayer time for the recipient. Healing prayer can offer:
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Freedom from anxiety/worry
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Release from fear
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Physical healing (all sorts)
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Forgiveness (for self and others)
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Release from addictions
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Transformation of hurtful memories.
Jesus is at the center of all healing prayer bringing the peace that we often seek. We offer Healing Prayer classes and Healing Prayer services. To learn more, email Nancy Wilson at: npwilson317@gmail.com or call the Church office.
PRAYER QUILTS & SHAWLS
Prayer Quilts and Shawls are available for those in need, offering comfort during times of illness, grief, or whenever solace is desired.
Shawls and lap blankets are always available on the rack in the lobby area when the church is open. Shawls are prayed over while they are being knit or crocheted. Complete the yellow information card that is attached to the shawl and drop it in the basket provided, or turn in at the office. Contact Paula Labonte with any questions at: seashels3@comcast.net.
To receive a Quilt, you can complete the online request form by clicking the button above. Once the request is submitted, an appropriate quilt will be selected. The quilt will be hung near the altar for the congregation to pray and tie a knot for the recipient. Contact Dorothy Lovera with any questions at:
Q&A: Does the recipient need to give consent to receive a quilt or a shawl?
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Quilts: Yes. Their name will be published in Lake Deaton's Weekly email, which goes out every Thursday at 4pm to all subscribed members.
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Shawls: No consent is needed.
STEPHEN MINISTERS
Grief is a natural part of human experience. Care Ministry of Lake Deaton offers Grief Support Sessions and other resources to help people experience comfort and strength on their journey through grief to acceptance and hope.
Grief Support Resources, in addition to the Stephen Ministry and Grief Support Sessions, which are scheduled periodically throughout the year include:
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Telephone encouragement and prayer support
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Resources for immediate loss
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Resources for moving ahead
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Stephen Ministers are specially trained lay people in our congregation who provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to those who are facing a crisis or going through difficult times, such as loss of a loved one, chronic or terminal illness, or other life challenges. Stephen Ministers meet with their care receivers on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support.
The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists. If you, or someone you care about, is going through a difficult time, please call the care office to find out how you can connect with a Stephen Minister.
PET MINISTRY
Pets are a blessing. They are family. They know all our secrets but never tell. Don’t we owe them our best? Our new Pet Ministry is intended to reach out to share God’s love with precious pets and their families within the surrounds of Lake Deaton United Methodist Church.
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Have a friend with a sick pup, kitty, or bird? We can send a card or call on the family to pray for healing. On request, an experienced pet minister is available to pray with and comfort the family of a pet who has passed away. We are good listeners.
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Taking certified pets to schools, libraries, and assisted living venues shares the joy that pets bring.It also helps to spread the awareness of “pet culture.” When a pet enters the room, things change.Children become more confident reading to a dog or cat. The presence of the “wee beastie” changes the atmosphere.
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ANIMAL FAIR & BLESSING Annual Event. The purpose is to affirm the bond between humans and the animals in their care and to celebrate the mutual benefit of their relationship. Also, by bestowing a blessing upon each animal, we give thanks to God for the blessings that these humble, special creatures share with us every day. Enjoy the images from our recent Fair by clicking HERE.
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Want to know more? Check out Sylvester’s Pet Ministry on Facebook.
You may contact Denise McGhee at denisehmcghee@gmail.com or De Raynes at deraynes@aol.com.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
A cancer diagnosis can bring many emotions, questions, and challenges—and you don’t have to face them alone. Lake Deaton UMC is starting a new Cancer Support Group designed to provide a safe, caring, and supportive place to connect with others who understand.
Whether you are currently facing cancer, are a cancer survivor, or are supporting a loved one, you are welcome here. Come share, listen, encourage one another, and find strength in community and faith.
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When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month.
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Time: 9:00–10:00 AM
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Where: Classroom 1
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Facilitator: Carole DeCosmo
NO NEED TO SIGN UP - WALK-INS ARE WELCOME.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Come as you are, and let’s support one another along the way.
All are welcome!
For any questions, please contact the church office.