[Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment];
— Psalm 92:14 Amplified Bible
Phase 2 ministers to widows of Houston’s First of all ages through a monthly fellowship meal and special events. We provide compassion, prayer support, and friendship.
For more information, please contact Diane Bagby in the Pastoral Care office at 713-957-6761 or Diane.Bagby@HoustonsFirst.org.
Widows meet generally every second Thursday of the month
Oct–Mar @ 11:30a–1:30p*
Apr–Sep @ 5–7p
*Nov date changed to Thursday, Nov 2
Special Events
2023: Saturday, Dec 9
2024: Saturday, Dec 7
To RSVP or get more information, please contact Diane Bagby in the Pastoral Care office at 713-957-6761 or Diane.Bagby@HoustonsFirst.org.
Too often a woman finds herself alone & lonely after the death of her spouse. So many things about her life are changing as she finds herself moving into the second phase of life. Phase 2 is a group of women, from 30 – 90+ years of age who have this one thing in common: they are trying to find a “new normal” in their lives after losing their husbands. Generally, on the 2nd Thursday of each month, ladies (widows) meet for a fellowship lunch or dinner and sharing with friends. This is not a counseling session or support group, but an environment where they can learn to thrive in this new stage of life & make new friends with common values and challenges.
The Pastoral Care staff seeks to develop close personal relationships with all widows. Whether participating in the monthly meeting or not, Phase 2 can help them navigate the transition to a new phase of life and learn to flourish through the years as they trust the Lord. The meeting is only the beginning of the relationship with the Pastoral Care Ministry. From that point of entry springs two other forms of care for widows.
Widowers meet every third Monday @ 11:45a–1p — The Loop
In the same way we minister to widows, we also come alongside men of Houston’s First as they navigate life without their spouse. Our desire is to encourage, nourish, and renew the hearts of men who have lost their wives as they seek a new normal. Conversations and inspiration shared around a delicious meal.
For more information, please contact Sam Parker in the Pastoral Care office at 713.957.6766 or Sam.Parker@HoustonsFirst.org.
More than half of Houston’s First deacons help to care for one to three widows by visiting with her, contacting her by phone, and checking on her welfare. Our desire is to keep you connected to your church family and resources the church may have available to assist you such as Men:Serve or Homebound or other ministries according to your needs. After losing her husband, a member of Pastoral Care staff contacts each widow. Shortly after, or when you are ready, you are invited to attend our Phase 2 events.
Our Deacons receive guidance by members of the Pastoral Care staff in how to best help. The Deacon may observe and report to Pastoral Care any problem areas in your home where assistance may be needed to keep the home safe and in good repair. Those needs may then be relayed to the Men’s ministry. Many general repairs can be made by volunteers of Men:Serve, a ministry whose primary purpose is to come alongside and care for widows. To submit a request for Men:Serve to come to your home, fill out the form HERE.
All women love to be pampered. With the loss of her husband, those moments may not happen as often. HFBC deacons seek to honor and show appreciation for the widows and widowers of HFBC. Fun fellowship, good food and wonderful entertainment make for a memorable day in the Spring. The Deacons and their wives are seated with the ladies. It’s a wonderful time of being made to feel special. Look for an invitation to be mailed and emailed to you.
Six Saturdays a year, Pastoral Care and the Men’s Ministry team up to perform “honey do” jobs around the homes of Houston’s First widows/widowers. Requests are made through the Pastoral Care office, where the staff works alongside teams of men who volunteer to pair the right men according to need and skill.
Men do yard work, paint inside and outside homes, power wash driveways and siding, electrical and plumbing work, sheetrock repair, roof and air conditioning repairs and much more. Currently close to 150 men have served each event and over 250 ladies have been helped since 2012. Participants claim they receive the biggest blessing because of the wonderful relationships being formed. Upon arrival, the team gets to know the widow and pray for her specific needs.
Requests for Men:Serve team to visit your home must be made to Pastoral Care staff at least 2 weeks before the date of the event.
You can submit a request HERE or simply call Diane Bagby @ 713-957-6761.
Need help choosing your campus? Email us or call 713.681.8000.