Stephen Ministry
LAUMC is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. As part of our Pastoral Care Ministry, caring men and women in our congregation have been trained to be listeners, companions and caregivers to those experiencing time of trouble or transition in their lives. Call on us if you could use a little companionship on your journey. Contact Rev. Rick Plain (650-948-1083 x121). All contacts are held in strictest confidence.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is:
• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
• A caring Christian friend who really listens
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
A Stephen Minister is NOT:
• A counselor or therapist
• A problem-solver
• A casual visitor
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are:
• Hospitalized or homebound
• Grieving
• In a job crisis
• Lonely
• In a spiritual crisis
• Looking for a caring, Christian friend
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister? In need of a caring friend? For more information, call Pastor Rick Plain (rickplain@laumc.org, 650-948-1083 x121).
Memorial Services
Los Altos United Methodist Church wishes to serve you in your time of special need. Our pastors will meet with any or all of your family to discuss your wishes for a memorial service. We can offer our Sanctuary, or a smaller, more intimate space, with organist or pianist and soloist to perform your favorite music. For more information, call any of our pastors, or call the church office to reach the Coordinator of Ceremonies (650-948-1083). Click here to visit the Memorial Services web page.
Prayer Team
If you are seeking an important role in service and prayer, consider serving on the Prayer Team. There is a men's prayer team that meets on Monday mornings and a ladies' team that meets on Monday afternoons. These groups offer wonderful fellowship as well as an opportunity to serve. Do you hear God calling you? If you do, contact any of the pastors to be guided to serve in the way that is best for you.
If you are in the midst of unemployment and searching for a job, separation or divorce, groups are forming to welcome, care for, and encourage you during this time in your life. Contact Pastor Rick Plain (650-948-1083 x121 or rickplain@laumc.org) for information about these groups.
Employment Search Network Group
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00pm, Live Oak Room
A spiritual support, network and education group for LAUMC members and friends seeking employment. Please look at the weekly handout available at the Welcome Center listing who is seeking employment (with two line description of employment sought) and employment opportunities where LAUMC members and friends work. Please contact Pastor Rick (rickplain@laumc.org or 650-948-1083 x121) for more information or to pass on employment opportunities, etc.
"Good Grief" Group
Getting through, but never "over", the death of a dearly loved and cherished family member is a long process and journey. "Good Grief" is a monthly support group, first Thursdays of the month, 10:00am to 11:30am, in the Live Oak Room, providing an opportunity to share with and care for each other.
Long-Term Illness Support Group
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm in the church office. The group offers compassionate support to those with and those caring for people with long term illness. Led by Cathy Lampman (408-257-8310), the group is an opportunity to share and support each other in this most difficult challenge. All are welcome.
Caring for Caregivers
Are you a caregiver for a family member or friend? Are you looking for a chance to receive a little care yourself and have a chance to talk with other caregivers? Looking for spiritual and emotional encouragement and support? Caring for Caregivers meets the 3rd Thursday of the month, 10:00am to 11:30am in the Live Oak Room.
Adult Children/Caregivers of Aging Parents/People (ACAP)
Those people who would like to be able to share and support one another in the challenges of dealing with aging friends and family are welcome. The 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30pm in the Live Oak Room. For more information call Judith Pruess-Mellow (650-209-1119).
"Caregiver University" workshops for Alzheimer's caregivers
July 3, 17 & 31, and August 3 & 17 at 10:00am
Workshops led by Alzheimer's Association staff. Topics include: Memory Strategies and Research; Memory Loss and Aging: How do I know if it's Alzheimer's?; Compassionate Communication; Moving a Loved One with Memory Loss; The Latest in Alzheimer's Treatment & Research. No registration necessary. For more information, please contact Pastor Judith Pruess-Mellow (650-948-1083 x138) or Pastor Rick Plain (650-948-1083 x121).
Angels on Call
Are available to help you in times of need. Our "angels" are available to prepare meals, drive to doctor visits, and meet other short-term emergency needs. For information, contact Rev. Rick Plain (650-948-1083 x121).
Alanon, Alateen & Cocaine Anonymous
These support groups meets during the week on our campus.
Alanon — Sundays 7:00pm, Room 6
Alateen — Sundays 7:30pm, Rooms 9
Cocaine Anonymous — Mondays, 7:30pm, Room 7
Friendly Visitors
Are available to those in need of a listening ear. Call Rev. Rick Plain (650-948-1083 x121) for more information.
