LOVE OTHERS AS WELL AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Matthew 22:37-40 The Message

Here at St. Paul, one of the ways that we try to live out the "alongside command" is through the BEFRIENDER Ministry. As you read this the BEFRIENDER Leadership Team is making last-minute preparation for training a new class of BEFRIENDERMinister Candidates. Soon they will be ready to serve "others" journeying through life transitions, on behalf of Jesus and our congregation.

What are life transitions? They are changes in life's routine--times when it would be nice to have a friend to share the journey; sometimes scary, sometimes lonely, sometimes confusing, but always easier with a friend. Examples might include:

• Death of a loved one
• Divorce or separation
• Cancer or chronic illness diagnosis
• Job loss
• Parenting Challenges
• Stress of care giving
• Loss of a home

We want to be sure that we are not missing anyone.
Do you know someone traveling uncharted waters?
Do you know someone who might need a friend?
Are there changes in your life today?
Would you like a friend to walk your twisting path?

If so, let one of us know or call the church office (233-3303).

BEFRIENDER Leadership Team

Luci Bradley (277-4355), Betty Leppard (233-3303)
Dana Rosenzweig (236-2802), Sandy Wagner (476-3688)
And Pastor Kuether (628-0646)