Support Groups
DivorceCare | Tuesdays starting Feb. 7 | 7 to 8:30 PM | Room 10
DivorceCare follows a 13-week series of videos containing valuable information about working through separation and recovering from divorce. After viewing the video together, there is time to discuss and share experiences with others in similar situations. The cost of the workbook is $22 and can be purchased at the first session. Registration is not required. For more information, email Craig Koskela or call 717-533-2092, ext. 2028.
GriefShare | Thursdays | 7 to 8:30 PM | Room 601
GriefShare is for men and women who have lost a loved one and want to share issues and emotions with others experiencing grief. Each session includes a video providing valuable teaching on topics related to death and grief, followed by small group discussion. The cost of the workbook is $22 and can be purchased at the first session. For more information, email Craig Koskela or call 717-533-2092, ext. 2028. GriefShare will be offered again in the fall.
Surrendering the Secret | Mondays starting Feb. 6 | 6 to 8:30 PM
Surrendering the Secret is a group designed to walk alongside women hurting from the traumatic experience of abortion and help them find healing through honest, interactive Bible study. Register and RSVP by sending a confidential email.
Abuse Support Group | Tuesdays starting Jan. 10 | 7 to 8:30 PM
Abuse Support Group is for any woman who has experienced some form of domestic abuse. We want to provide a safe place for women to share their stories and experience freedom and healing. The women leading the group have experienced healing from their domestic abuse and want to walk alongside others in that same journey. To register, email Patty Shenk or call 717-678-3247.
Mentoring and Shepherding for Men Struggling with Pornography
Mentoring and Shepherding is available to men struggling with pornography. God has been at work in the lives of men in our community. Send a confidential email to receive support in overcoming this problem.
Counseling
Biblical counseling is available to individuals, couples, and families. Marriage counseling is also available as part of the counseling ministry of Hershey Free Church. Assistance is given in making referrals to professional Christian resources for longer term and more in-depth help. For more information, email Craig Koskela or phone 717-533-2092, ext. 2028.
Premarital counseling is designed to prepare couples for the covenant bond of marriage. A pastor or trained lay couple will meet with the couple to guide them through the study of materials that address issues identified as having an impact on the marital relationship. All couples seeking to be married by a Hershey Free Church pastor must participate in this ministry. For more information, email Craig Koskela or call 717-533-2092, ext. 2028.
Compassion Ministries
Clothing Bank
The clothing bank is available to anyone in need by calling Compassion Ministries at 717-533-2092, ext. 2038, to make an appointment. Clothing for this ministry is donated by members of the congregation. Clothing donations can be dropped inside the shed outside the clothing bank entrance (on the driveway to the rear parking lot) at any time.
Food Bank
The food bank is open to anyone attending the church or living in the surrounding communities (from zip codes 17033, 17022, 17036, 17078). Personal identification containing the home address is required of non-attenders. To visit the food bank, call Compassion Ministries at 717-533-2092, ext. 2038, to make an appointment. The congregation is invited to donate unexpired food items, which can be dropped into designated boxes at church entrances.
Medical Equipment
Compassion Ministries Medical Equipment Closet has wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, knee scooters and other medical equipment available for loan at no cost. Ask for equipment by contacting Compassion Ministries or at 717-533-2092, ext. 2038.
Compassion Ministries Fund
This fund provides short-term or emergency assistance to anyone in need, but priority is given to members of our church family. This fund also provides assistance for access to items such as wheelchairs for those with disabilities. Applications are held in strict confidence, and must be approved by the Deacon Committee. Special offerings are taken for this fund at the conclusion of communion services. Apply for help by contacting Compassion Ministries or at 717-533-2092, ext. 2038.
Compassion Support
This ministry helps people within our congregation who have light home-fix-up jobs or need help with chores or shopping. It matches them with people in our congregation with skills who are willing to share in the spirit of Galatians 5:12: “Serve one another in love.” To volunteer or to arrange for help around the house, email Compassion Ministries or call 717-533-2092, ext. 2038.
Visitation
Our church Visitation Team visits members, friends, and families of our congregation who are struggling with various situations. Our goal is to bring encouragement through prayer, Scripture reading, and sharing truth about God’s salvation. We also offer helpful resources such as cards, books, tracts, and pamphlets. It is our hope that people ministered to in this way will experience the church as a caring community. Visits are made to hospitals, prisons, retirement and nursing homes, and private homes where there are personal crises such as bereavement, loss of work, or loss of health. If you would like a visit or know of someone who may benefit from a visit, call the church office at 717-533-4848.
