SUPPORT GROUPS
BPC offers support groups that provide a ring of love and care around an individual, couples, and/or families who find themselves in a time of crisis, challenge, and/or heartache. Group Leaders receive extensive and ongoing training and have walked through the specific crisis in which they serve. Learn more about how you can receive the support you need such as divorce care by clicking the button below.
CARE MINISTRIES
DEACON MINISTRIES
WHAT IS A DEACON?
A deacon ministers to those who are in need, to the sick, and to the friendless. Members of our Board of Deacons visit the hospitalized and elderly; take meals to new parents or persons recovering from hospitalization; extend hospitality on Sundays after worship services; pray actively for known prayer requests; distribute beneficent funds to those experiencing financial hardship.
WHAT IS THE MEALS MINISTRY?
The Meals Ministry serves families or individuals within our church community by providing ready-to-eat meals. Designed to help ease daily burdens, this ministry is carried out by a network of volunteers within BPC who serve one another by meeting the practical need for food preparation. For more information about our meals ministry, contact us at info@bidwellpres.org or call the church office at (530)-343-1484.
CORRESPONDENCE
Deacons attend to the life events of our church members by sending out cards and notes of encouragement, sympathy, praise, or recovery. If you know of someone who would benefit from this, please contact us.
Email: info@bidwellpres.org,
BPC office at 530-343-1484
HOW DO VISITATIONS WORK?
Deacons seek to bring the love of Christ by visiting members of our church who are hospitalized, in care facilities, or who are homebound. During the current pandemic, in-person visitations are suspended. We are happy to have phone call connections with individuals. To request, please contact us at info@bidwellpres.org or call the church office at (530) 343-1484.
WHAT IS THE DEACON FUND?
We are fortunate to have a fund for individuals who are going through financial hardship. We typically reserve these funds for church members, but we do have limited funds available for non-members. To find out about the application process for the deacon fund, contact us at info@bidwellpres.org or call the church office at 530-343-1484.
STEPHEN MINISTRIES
WHO ARE STEPHEN MINISTERS?
Stephen Ministers are Christian men and women trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. They have a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
WHAT LIFE CHALLENGES CAN THEY HELP WITH?
Hospitalization, Terminally ill and their families, Moving into or out of our community, Grieving a death or serious loss, Homebound and institutionalized, Prisoners, ex-offenders and their families, Job crisis, Aging and elderly, Disabled (and their families), Needing the support of a Christian friend, Facing life transitions, Separated or divorced, Experiencing birth or adoption, and Spiritual crisis.
WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?
Stephen Ministers are trained to be supportive in listening, helping you to explore your feelings, pray with you, share Christ’s love, maintain confidentiality, attend to the caregiving process, and help to meet your needs.
HOW DO I REQUEST A STEPHEN MINISTER?
You don’t have to go through difficulty in life alone. A Stephen Minister will come alongside you to support you, pray for you, and listen to you. Stephen Ministers consider it a great privilege and blessing to be able to give this kind of care to people. It is truly a reciprocal relationship.
If you think you may benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister as you face a life challenge, transition or crisis, please contact the church office at 530-343-1484 and we will do our best to match you with a Stephen Minister.