BeFrienders are church members who are trained to provide a listening presence to someone experiencing a need for emotional and spiritual support. Listening, caring, and confidentiality are the basic tenets of being a BeFriender and no special degree or talent is required.

What do BeFrienders do?  First and foremost, a BeFriender comes as a friend. They enter into a caring relationship with another, offering emotional and spiritual support in times of need such as illness, hospitalization any type of loss or trauma and times of transition. Their visits may be face-to-face, or by phone.  They visit the homebound and those in care centers.  They assist the pastors in making hospital visits. They listen and respond without giving advice or making judgments. 

How would I get a BeFriender for myself, or someone I know?  Contact Rev.Bryce Johnson, or Rev. Donna Dempewolf at the church office, 651-429-9026. You may also contact a program leader: Linda Anderson, 651-777-3435, or Marcia Faust, 651-653-7020. Persons have often received the care of a BeFriender through referrals of family and friends. They need not be a member of our church to do so.   

Newly Commissioned BeFrienders    

• Julie Jacot
• Roberta Schmidt
• Judy Slomkowski
• John Stucky
• Mary Sullivan

Active Commissioned BeFrienders                                                 

• Ruth Brink                                      
• Dave Hegdahl
• Shirley Hegdahl   
• Clare Herrick                 
• Leslie Plauda      
• Susan Torgerson    
• Syble Pennings   
• Irene Ott
• Cecile Cozad
• Kathy Siegle
• Connie Catlin
• Ellyn Morton
• Marcia Lantto

Program Leaders                                            

• Linda Anderson
• Marcia Faust                                         

Pastoral Supervision                                       

• Rev. Bryce Johnson 

Other programs offered by the WBLUMC BeFriender's include Service of the Longest Night, CareNotes, and Phone Friend calls.

More information on BeFrienders can be found at www.befrienderministry.org