Entering Lent for Caregivers

Vicky Pitner   -  

Lent is a time of preparation and reflection leading up to Easter. People frequently decide to make sacrifices or add additional service projects to their schedules during the forty-day period of time. Many parallels can be drawn between the Lenten season and caregiving. Like Lent, caregiving is filled with challenge and sacrifices, but also with great blessings and graces. Many feel called to serve others, and caregivers already do.

The great contrast between these two seasons is that Lent has a definite beginning and end, and caregiving does not. Let us enter this Lenten season with a prayer for all of the amazing caregivers, and remember that God is with you every step of the way on this journey. Right here. Right now.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Being a caregiver is a full-time and arduous task. Please bless every caregiver in a special way this Lenten season. Grant them peace, grace, comfort, and love as they provide care for your children. Please send the right people at the right time to help when they are in need of rest and renewal. Touch the hearts of those who yearn to help, lead, and guide your caregivers in the ways in which they can assist. When moments of loneliness or isolation arise, please wrap them in the comfort of your loving arms and let them know that you are there.

Amen.

Connections, the respite program in our Memory Ministry supports individuals living with memory challenges and their families and provides opportunities for self-expression and connecting friends, family and faith. Although we are not able to meet at the church, due to the health and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created a Connections Zoom group on Monday mornings and are able to share music, prayer, poetry, and wonderful adventures.

If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about Connections Zoom group, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@fumc.org