Church workers support group in SA
Eighteen years ago, a lay worker ministry support network in regional SA commenced called CAFE (Child and Family Encouragers). CAFE began at a time when the LCA had a substantial number of lay workers involved in various ministries throughout the church. This inspired a small group of lay workers to bring to life their vision for a ministry that gathered lay workers regularly for mutual encouragement and prayer. Over the years, CAFE has extended beyond child, youth and family ministry lay workers, to warmly welcome church workers with other roles such as office, mission, pastoral care, worship roles, etc.
CAFE meets once a term with church workers hosting at their church, providing a comfy space, devotional time, morning tea and the opportunity to spur each other on as they share aspects of their ministry journey. There is a deep level of support in ministry conversations, prayer and the sharing of resources.
Whilst the CAFE gatherings are not big in numbers, the care and prayer have such a positive impact. One participant shared, ‘There’s a wonderful connection of fellow church workers walking with each other through the challenges and the joys of ministry.’
Another participant said, ‘CAFE has been a wonderful opportunity to meet other people passionate about ministry to younger people in our church! It’s encouraging to hear the positive things God is up to around the place, and it has been helpful to receive encouragement and a listening ear from others in this ministry space.’
If you’re a church worker, you are warmly invited to connect with CAFE. You can join their Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/261408934601157 to find out when the next gathering will be. For more information, you can also contact Sharon Green at St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa on sharon.green@lca.org.au or 08 8562 1011.
Please keep this ministry in your prayers as it supports church workers across the SA-NT District.
‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ Hebrews 10:24
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