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Manchester Church of the Brethren Nurturing Ministries include: Nurture Commission: Lafiya, Parish Nurses, Stephen Ministry see the link to our Parish Nurse ministries ... they have their own page! 
Manchester Church of the Brethren is a Lafiya Congregation. Lafiya is a Nigerian word meaning complete wholeness and health for body, mind and spirit. 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 conatantly uplifting wach 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.
Stephen Ministries
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips non-professional people to provide confidential, one-to-one care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. However, there are many more needs for on-going, one-to-one listening than pastors can effectively provide by themselves. If you or someone you know could benefit from the confidential care and support of a Stephen Minister, then talk with a pastor or contact the church office to learn more. |
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