MISSION STATEMENT: 

Because we accept as our model the life and teachings of Jesus, as they are revealed in the New Testament, it is our purpose to:

• Create among ourselves a loving, caring community, undergirding each other where there is pain, encouraging each other with opportunities for Christian fellowship, and holding each other accountable for a loving lifestyle.
• Welcome into this community all persons, of any race, ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, education level, ability, age, or life situation.
• Model the loving community in our relating with other congregations within our denomination, with the wider church, and with local, national, and global communities.
• Encourage understanding among us of the biblical tradition from which we have come and of  the spiritual impulses that nourish our bond.

We see this as "Continuing the work of Jesus ... Peacefully, Simply, Together."

LAFIYA MISSION STATEMENT:

Manchester Church of the Brethren intends to be a congregation which lovingly ministers to one another as whole people, united in body, mind, heart, and spirit, in fulfillment of the new covenant established by God when Jesus Christ entered this world to offer us abundant life (John 10:10).  We intend to recognize ourselves and each other as one body and one in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).  As God's own holy vessel, we intend to do as Paul instructed, caring for our whole selves for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10).  As a Lafiya Congregation, one which is founded in the Nigerian precept of uplifting wellness through wholeness, we intend to encourage each other to remember that the body, mind and spirit are intimately connected.  We will strive to empower one another to receive, as well as give, loving care with spontaneity and joy.  We will help each other take responsibility for preventative approaches to our own wellness, and we will advocate this God-given responsibility near and far.  We envision the Manchester Church of the Brethren as a community of faith which creates a safe and supportive environment for sharing our strengths and vulnerabilities as we collectively go about the tasks that God has appointed for us.  Our vision will be consummated by constantly uplifting each other in prayer and deed so that we grow in God's love and become all God intends for us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

As a Christian Community, striving to be peacemakers, we are called by Christ to be inclusive and caring. We affirm that people of any race, ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, education level, ability, age, or life situation, are welcome in our congregation.

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Q1: How do I find you?
  Our church is on the SW corner of the intersection at Beckley and State Road 13.  The mailing address is PO Box 349, but the location is 1306 Beckley, North Manchester, Indiana. 

Q2: How can I contact you?
Our Church office telephone number is (260) 982-7523.  Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and 1 to 5 p.m.  Monday through Thursday.  The answering machine is on 24 hours a day. Our e-mail is manchestercob@gmail.com

Q3: When is Worship?
Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Fellowship Time.  Christian Education begins at 10:45 a.m. 

Pastoral Care Questions and Answers

1.) How does the “on-call” schedule work?

Karen and Kurt take turns being the “pastor on call” to deal with emergency needs. During office hours, whoever is available at the office or most easily reached will respond to pastoral care needs; out of office hours, the “pastor on call” may be called at their home or cell number.

In order to maintain the time off each pastor needs, when the “on call” pastor has the day off, another pastor may respond to needs. For example, during Karen’s on-call week, she would pass calls to Kurt on Fridays. During Kurt’s “on-call week,” he would pass calls to Karen on Mondays.

If you aren’t sure who is “on call,” you may call either pastor, and the one you reach will either respond to the concern or pass it on to another pastor. You may call the on-call pastor at any hour.

2.) If I go to the hospital, do I need to tell someone on the pastoral staff?

If you want to receive pastoral care or prayer during your time in the hospital, you should inform one of the pastors about impending hospitalizations or surgeries. Due to privacy laws, hospitals will not contact the church unless you authorize such notification. You may or may not wish “attention” during a hospitalization, but keeping in touch with the pastors helps maintain clear communication about your needs and wishes.

3.) Which pastors make hospital visits?

Kurt and Karen are both responsible for hospital visits, with Karen taking a primary role. Jim may make hospital visits on occasion, particularly if there is a youth or a youth family member involved. Which pastor visits depends on weekly work patterns and availability.

4.) How does the prayer chain work?

If you have a prayer concern, you may contact either Karen or the first person on the phone chain to begin the prayer chain. Karen is responsible for starting the email prayer chain. In all cases, it is advisable to ask first before putting someone’s name on the prayer chain.

5.) If I have a question or concern about deacons, who do I talk to?

Karen has responsibility for oversight of the deacon program. Questions or concerns may also be directed to the chair of the Deacons.

6.) Are all three pastors available for pastoral care?

While all pastors have involvement in pastoral care, their degree of responsibility for pastoral care is determined by job description and availability. We hope with three pastors that it is possible for someone to always be available.

7.) Who is available for weddings or funerals?

All pastors are available for weddings and funerals. In the case of weddings, each pastor determines whether or not he/she will assist couples on a case by case basis. In the case of funerals, the pastors try to honor the specific requests of families.

8.) Are the pastors expected to do “general” visitation in the congregation?

No, our pastors are not expected to conduct general visitation in the congregation, but they are available for visits as requested. During a time of transition in your life or when you are seeking discernment, for example, you may wish to have a visit. Pastors will sometimes visit persons who are new to the church, as well as people who are home bound. Deacons may also make visits to congregation members on behalf of the church.

9.) Do our pastors offer pastoral counseling?

Our pastors are not trained as counselors or therapists, nor is it expected by our congregation that they can or will be available for ongoing counseling needs. They may be available for pastoral conversations on an occasional basis, and will try to make referrals for counseling as requested.

10.) When should I ask for a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministry is available to anyone who is in need of a weekly one-to-one caring relationship. Stephen Ministers are trained to provide compassionate listening and the assurance of God’s love. Stephen Ministry caregiving relationships are assigned through Karen.

--This information is provided to you by the pastors and the Pastoral Ministry and Personnel Commission, February, 2007.