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Sharing the burden of terminal illness

A diagnosis of serious illness is devastating news, both to the one afflicted and to the person’s loved ones.  The thought of telling family and friends and causing them worry is extremely difficult.

As Christians, we believe in hope and healing.  Here are some spiritual and practical sources of support:

Practical:

• Central Florida Helpline or 407-740-7477  - 24 hours a day

• Hospice of the Comforter -  407-682-0808

  • Staff on call 24 hours per day

  • What is "Hospice"?

    • There are two motives which led to the establishment of the Hospice of the Comforter.

    • First to provide a compassionate ministry for the growing number of patient / families facing terminal illness and meeting the Hospice criteria, motivated by the rich heritage of care in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

    • Second to offer individuals within the local faith communities increased opportunities for tangible ministry to patient/ families dealing with the issues of death and loss.  The Judeo-Christian tradition provides a motive to care for our fellow man as well as significant resources for support.

    • Hospice of the Comforter seeks to bring together the resources of the faith communities with the special needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

    • HOSPICE a special kind of caring

  • Medicare & Medicaid certified

  • The National Hospice Helpline is 1 800 658-8898

• The American Cancer Society

• The American Association of Retired Persons

• Social Security Administration 

• Someone You Love is Dying, How Do You Cope? brochure is offered through Service Corporation International, a funeral service enterprise.  The brochure can be ordered on-line or by phone at 1 800 9-CARING (1-800-922-7464).

• Local Crisis Centers:

  • Maitland: Central Florida Helpline - Crisis Phones:  407-740-7477

  • Altamonte Springs: Hospice of the Comforter -  407-682-0808

Because you may have many unvoiced thoughts about your illness it is suggested that you start to keep a list of questions and fears, to help you remember what you want to discuss with your doctor(s).

• Unfortunately at this time we must all turn part of our attention to everyday, mundane items that must be attended to:

  • Living wills - see a friend or personal lawyer for an explanation of why a person might want one and how to set one up.

  • Wills

  • Bank accounts

  • Location of important papers

    • Birth certificate

    • Military documents

    • Insurance policies

  • Funeral wishes.

Spiritual:

Your personal relationship to Jesus Christ is not an everyday, mundane item.  Review your walk and if you have not made a personal commitment to Jesus, talk with your Minister or go to our "How to Know Jesus" Page.

• Asbury Members: As a first step, please provide information to the pastor and the prayer chain

  • Phone - 644-5222

Pastor Scott

Pastor Brian

• Call them, come to our office for a personal visit or click on their picture to send them an E-Mail

• Use the form below to set prayers in motion for recovery and personal strength.

  • Sometimes it's easier to write about weighty matters than to express them face-to-face, and it's nice to know that you can express yourself around the clock, even if the pastor is not there at the moment, in person. 

• We have a list of support services available from the members of our Church
• We have a roster of church members who, because of having personally experienced many personal losses, are willing to offer comfort and support.

Your personal relationship to Jesus Christ is of the utmost concern.  Review your walk with Him and if you have not made a personal commitment to Jesus, talk with your Minister or go to our "How to Know Jesus" Page.    Don't neglect eternity.

Crisis Help - Asbury UMC provides these pages as a service & is not responsible for any information contained on any linked page.   The contents of these linked pages are the sole responsibility of the provider.

Revised: May 11, 2009