Important Things to Know as Prayer Team Begins Ministry This Sunday!!

Greetings!
The day has finally arrived!!!

In response to God's Word...

"Beloved, pray for us...

the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

(I Thess 5: 25, 28)

You are invited as

This Sunday, March 9th

the Bethany Prayer Team

will formally begin ministry after worship services!!

In final preparation the following may be helpful for Prayer Team Members to navigate the day:

1) For the next 4 weeks we are asking ALL Team Members (who have had training and /or registered their intent with Team Leaders) to please come to the new sanctuary Prayer Room at least 15 minutes prior to the service you will attend. We will gather and meet the entire team for that service, assign teams & positions, and pray for staff & worship team along with those who will minister in prayer that day. This is both a team building and organizational time . Please make every effort to join us! After 4 weeks we will reassess & make regular assignments.

2) You will receive your Bethany Prayer Team lanyard and name tag on Sunday along with our "Protocol for Ministry" document if you were unable to joins us for orientation sessions. It is very important that you review the Protocol for Ministry prior to serving. This will address many questions & issues you may have. Please feel free to contact Joe Westfall or myself if you are a Bethany attender and have NOT completed the training & would like to join the team OR need further assistance.

3) We will place "reserved" signs on seats near the designated ministry stations for your convenience. Under the reserved seats you will find a basket with breath mints, kleenex, pens & response cards, extra lanyards in case you've forgotten yours that day, & other materials for referral or support of those you will pray with. Copies of the Protocol for Ministry document can also be found in the baskets for your reference. If persons you pray with desire any kind of follow-up please have them fill out a response card and place it in the "suggestion" box in the foyer near the Information Table. If YOU are concerned re: follow-up or additional support for the person(s) please speak directly to Sharon, Joe, or Phil Maulding, using our confidentiality guidelines.
When you have finished ministering - PLEASE complete the sheet entitled "Weekly Ministry Assessment" and place it back in the basket. This will help us plan for future services and assess prayer needs of the congregation going forward.

4) This Sunday both Joe and I will be in all services to assist you in any way necessary. If you need support as you pray with folks or have questions please don't hesitate to catch our eye, send another to get us, or do whatever is necessary to gain the support needed both for yourself and those you pray with! Staff members will also be available.

5) The Prayer Room will be the designated place to bring anyone for extended prayer if indicated. Individuals will be there to assist you or stand by as needed.

6) Please feel free to use this blog site to get questions answered, give feedback, or just share what God is doing and any God-revelations you encounter! We are all encouraged and up-lifted by the increased awareness of God's activity among us! PLEASE remember to share NO Names and keep your sharing to how God is engaging and changing YOU through ministry! The folks you pray with will want to tell their OWN stories!! Thank you for imaging God's protective heart!

7) Remember CONFIDENTIALITY is key to this ministry and we are the gatekeepers of the stories of others. This is both privilege and responsibility!!! Guard them well dear friends!! This is a critical image of God and His Kingdom Community we are chartered to impart!

8) and finally! relax and enjoy the process of entering into the care and nurture of others by the power of God's Holy Spirit within you! Remember only God invites encounter and gives revelation, insight, healing. We are simply vessels of GOD's Word and power as it is gifted through us!! When in doubt- pray Blessing and the Fruits of the Spirit into the lives of those you minister to!
Please see note below for options for preparing for ministry.

May God richly bless and anoint you as you seek to make the Kingdom of Christ visible and tangible among us through the infinite Power and Passion of prayer!

Sharon
Joe
Richard

and we say:
"I am grateful to God ...when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day...May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Beloved, pray for us.... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
( II Tim 1:3; I Thess 5:23-25, 28)

Please see the "Lenten Reflections of the Heart" (posts 3/7/08) for prayer and Scripture you may wish to engage as you prepare for ministry in the coming days....