Widows meet every second Thursday:
October–March @ 11:45a–1:45p — The Loop (Fellowship Center)
April–September @ 5:30–7:30p — The Loop (Fellowship Center)*
*Note: Every second Thursday, May 13–Sep 9, 2021, Phase 2 will meet in the Chapel
Too often a woman finds herself alone after facing the death of her spouse. So many things about her life change. She finds herself in the second phase of her life. Phase 2 are women who hold this one thing in common…finding a new normal in life whether 20 or 90 years of age after losing her husband. On the second Thursday of each month ladies (widows) meet for a fellowship meal and sharing with friends. This is not a counseling session nor a support group. It is a safe environment where they can be comfortable in their new identity. The Pastoral Care staff seeks to develop close personal relationships with all widows whether they can participate in the monthly meeting or not by helping them as they navigate their transition and learning to blossom through the years as they trust the Lord for their life. The meeting is only the beginning of the relationship.
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 Pastoral Care office at 713.957.6765.
Widowers meet every third Monday @ 11:45a–1p — The Loop (Reception Rm)
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 home-cooked meal.
For more information, please contact Sam Parker in the Pastoral Care office at 713.957.6766 or Sam.Parker@HoustonsFirst.org.
Over half of HFBC’s deacons participate in personally caring for one to three widows by regular visits in her home, phone contacts and having her join him and his wife and family for fellowship, holiday celebrations and worshipping together in church. Within a short time after losing her husband, a member of the staff contacts her with the name and contact information of her deacon. The deacons follow up on a regular basis, checking in with her and being available to her in a time of emergency or crisis. Each deacon receives training by Pastoral Care staff to help him give spiritual and emotional encouragement. He also observes and reports areas in her home where she could use assistance in keeping her home safe and in good repairs. The deacons report to Pastoral Care about his widows’ safety concerns and the need for home repairs. Those needs are turned into Pastoral Care to be taken care of by the Men’s ministry through involvement with Pastoral Care to sponsor MenServe. See the form in the FORM section for submitting a request for having MenServe come to your home.
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 spring. Widowers join in on the celebration as well. The youth department serves as wait staff, as the deacons and their wives are seated with their ladies. There are door prices, photo moments and testimonies. It’s a wonderful time of being made to feel special. Look for “SAVE THE DATE” card and an INVITATION to be mailed to you.
Six Saturdays a year Pastoral Care and Men’s Ministry team up to get widow’s “Honey Do Jobs” done around her home. Requests are made through the Pastoral Care office where the staff works alongside teams of volunteer men to get the right pairing of men with needs and skills. Areas where the men have served are yard work, painting inside and out of their homes, power washing driveways and siding, electrical and plumbing work, sheetrock repair, roof and air conditioning repairs and many more. Currently over 350 men have served in the homes of 100 ladies. Each (the widow and the men) claim that they have received more blessing than (widows) the other through the forming of their relationships. Upon arrival, the team of men gets to know her and pray with her for her specific needs. Many of the ladies report that they feel more loved and affirmed by her church for the first time since the loss of her husband.
ALL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE TO THE PASTORAL CARE STAFF AND AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EVENT.
Need help choosing your campus? Email us or call 713.264.4300.