immanuelbrookfield.org

How this Ministry Operates

The Cancer Support Group is open to all those affected by a cancer diagnosis. Group members share experiences and provide spiritual support for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members. Support is given through monthly group sessions, direct assistance to caregivers and families (i.e. transportation, meals, babysitting), access to information and support materials, group prayer for individuals and families, Scripture study, and testimonials of faith.  

Finding Strength in the Word

The Cancer Support Group recently compiled a group devotional based on members’ favorite inspirational Scripture passages and other messages of faith. The devotional is being put together at this time, with plans to distribute it to group members early in 2008.

At its monthly meetings, this group is devoting time to Reflections on PSALM 23, for people with cancer. In this video series, and corresponding materials, Ken Curtis explores coping with cancer from personal experience based on the inspiration of the 23rd Psalm. For this video, Curtis went to Israel, home of David and the Psalm, to be with the shepherds, travel "through the valley of the shadow of death," and explore and enjoy the healing powers of the green pastures and still waters. The resulting meditations provide a combination of candid personal experience of what it means to battle cancer and some of the spiritual resources available through the time-honored Psalm.

Heavenly Father, we pray for Your healing and strength. We ask for our bodies and spirits to be renewed, so that we may face the days ahead. We pray that those close to us are soothed by your presence and are comforted through their faith in You. We ask that Your compassion give care to the care givers and peace to those who have suffered loss. We pray for those who meet here tonight in Your Name, for those in our congregation in need of Your strength, and all who face the human reality of cancer. Help us to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as the day approaches. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

This prayer was crafted by members of the Immanuel Lutheran Cancer Support Group, from scripture passages and from other shared messages of faith and support provided by our individual experiences with cancer.

Immanuel members can uplift the Cancer Support ministry by attending the monthly meetings, or suggesting them to someone they know with cancer, or a care-giver of someone with cancer. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month in the classrooms just off the Fellowship Hall. Meeting time is 7:00 p.m., and each session lasts about an hour.