Support Ministries

“The Breathing Space”

1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month | 10 am—2 pm

Augustana is partnering with DARTS and hosting a group respite opportunity, The Breathing Space. We need volunteers like YOU! Volunteers will be paired up with a care-receiver and enjoy arts and crafts, music, education, and much more! For more information or to become a volunteer, contact DARTS at 651-455-1560 or visit www.dartsconnects.org/volunteer. Volunteer orientation is happening soon, so apply now if you are interested.

NAMI Family Support Group 

2nd & 4th Mondays of each month, 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Joann Arneberg, Faith Community Nurse
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers family and friends of individuals
living with a mental illness an opportunity to meet with others who share their concerns,
to compare experiences and to learn from each other. Meetings are free of charge
and registration is not necessary. For further information, contact Faith Community Nurse
Joann Arneberg at 651-457-3373 or jarneberg@augustana.com.

Befrienders

Befrienders is a quiet ministry of listening as a friend. We all experience difficult times in life, times when we need a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a reminder of a caring, faith community. Befrienders provide care through a listening presence to anyone experiencing a life challenge. To get involved, or if you or someone you know could benefit from having a Befriender, contact Joann Arneberg.

Transportation Support

Volunteers function as extended family members through friendship and practical support for shopping, or transportation. To get involved, or if you or someone you know could benefit from this type of support, contact Joann Arneberg.

Meal Ministry 

Our Meal Ministry supports members and their families during challenging times by lovingly preparing and delivering meals. To get involved, or if you or someone you know could benefit from receiving a nutritious meal, contact Joann Arneberg.

Grief Ministry

This ministry supports members who have had a death in their immediate family by providing educational opportunities and resources. Offerings include:

• Holiday Memorial Service (second Saturday in December)
• Growing Through Loss series of grief classes, sponsored by the Southeast Suburban Grief Coalition (Augustana is a member) held in both spring and fall. To learn more, visit, call 952.890.0045 or email growingthroughloss@gmail.com.
• Grief Care Group
  Offered in the fall, 2023 dates TBD
  A grief care group will be led by Augustana member and retired pastor/chaplain, Marian Eisenmann. Topics and discussion will center on themes such as understanding grief, working our way through grief, and finding hope in the midst of despair. This group is for anyone having experienced a significant loss in their lives or for those wishing to understand more about the grieving process. Participants are asked to sign up at the Information Center or by calling the office at 651.457.3373.