Teddy bears are often the comfort in a child’s arms when he or she is afraid of the dark or scared to sleep alone.

A group of colorful bears created by members of West Rome United Methodist Church are being used to comfort children who are facing challenges in their lives.

The Prayer Bear Ministry began in February 2012 when 11 members began cutting, sewing and stuffing the bears, according to Barbara Davis, chairwoman for spiritual growth at the church.

Every bear is unique and has a card attached with prayer, encouraging words from the Bible and a note that the church is praying for them, according to Davis.

Some of the bears are a solid color, some are in bright prints and one was made in red, white and blue material.

Last month, the church held its first Prayer Bear Sunday. The bears were set up in the sanctuary and the congregation prayed over them, Davis said.

The first 50 bears were given to Cancer Navigators for distribution at Redmond Regional Medical Center.

The next 50 bears are being made and will go to Floyd Medical Center, with another 50 scheduled to be made and go to the Cancer Center.

“We feel strongly that through this effort we will be able to communicate to members of the Rome community the love that Jesus has to offer each and every individual and that the thought of our prayers on their behalf will be a source of strength and comfort to them,” said Linda Edwards, coordinator of the ministry.

West Rome United Methodist Church is located at 1003 Shorter Ave. and can be reached at 706-234-6214.



WITH THE BEARS

The card placed with the Prayer Bears provided by West Rome United Methodist Church reads:



The Prayer Bear

A Ministry of West Rome United Methodist Church

1003 Shorter Ave.

706-234-6214



This Prayer Bear is given to you as a token of God’s love for you in these trying times. Know that God is always with you and will watch over you.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26)

If you would like our membership to pray for you or a loved one please feel free to call us at 706-234-6214 or email us at wrumc@bellsouth.net.