S U P P O R T
G R O U P S
by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
About a year ago, we would not have touched each other with caring and support as symbolized in this photo—during a lockdown‽ And yet now because of Zoom technology, Lord of Life support groups have been meeting faithfully, not missing a week or month depending on their regular schedules. How has that been going? Glad you asked! Here are summaries from some support group leaders fulfilling a decree of Christ about carrying each other’s burdens. If you know these folks—please offer a word of thanks for their dedication and caring for the body of Christ at Lord of Life.
Joann Cross & Rachel Ross, Women’s Cancer Support Group—
We’re a group that no one plans to join! Pre-pandemic we met in the Prayer Chapel—such a nice setting for an intimate group. With Zoom, at first it was difficult because we are sharing a very tough topic; it can be hard to determine where everyone is at in their journey. But so much good has come from it! We even had one member who had her chemo and wasn’t feeling well . . . she jumped on Zoom from bed which was awesome because she needed our group that day. Our meetings are the same with a devotion, brief messages, then reminding everyone of the format. We touch base with each person and work hard to keep on topic. We know time is valuable but we also know our topic cannot be dictated by time restraints. After updates, we say the Lord’s Prayer together then members jump off when they want. We continue with questions and answers and sometimes simply connecting for fellowship. Post-pandemic, if we have options, we would like to offer both Zoom and in-person support. We feel we have had such value for many but still feel a human connection in person is necessary, especially for our group of women. It would be nice for the days when people don’t feel up for driving to church and for those who need to get out of their house. Having both options would meet the need for all. 8
Carry each burdens and wil fulfil law of C
—Galatians 6:2 (
