Bears, Bears, and More Bears!

Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as

the world gives.  Do not

let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

FPC Bears Bring Joy and Solace To Recipients

By Mary Ann Campbell

Have you shared a church pew with a bear lately? At FPC, it is not at all unusual to find one self sitting next to a cuddly stuffed bear, proudly beribboned and wearing a special tag that reads “This special bear worshipped with us at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. It has heard our scriptures, prayers, songs and sermons. It has been loved by our congregation, and now it comes to you with our blessings. It brings prayers of love, peace and joy to you today and always.”

Begun less than three years ago, the Teddy Bear Ministry has been hugely successful, with many bears arriving at our church, and then departing, as they are delivered to someone in need, perhaps an adult or child who is ill, grieving or simply feeling low.

Delivering one of our bears can be a special moment for both the giver and recipient. Taking a bear to someone is a simple thing to do, but it can provide a sense of comfort that lasts long beyond the moment it is received. We get a great deal of positive feedback from those who deliver and receive our bears, but one story is especially poignant.

A bear was delivered to a terminally ill patient at a nearby nursing center. The daughter of the patient reported that her mother received such joy from the bear and would even pass it to other patients for them to hold. On a return visit, the FPC member who first delivered the bear found the patient sleeping in her room with her arms wrapped around the bear. The patient eventually died, and now the daughter has the bear in her home as a reminder of the joy and comfort her mother experienced from this simple gift. The bear, which now gives solace to the daughter and her family, is a gift that continues to speak the message on its tag, bringing love, peace and joy, today and always.

    The purpose of the Bear Ministry is to offer love and support to someone in need through the gift of a teddy bear who has worshipped with us at FPC. There are two ways that you can get involved: you may take a bear to give to someone in need or you may donate a bear. (Of course, you also have the option of doing both!)

        GIVING A BEAR: Anyone worshiping with us is welcome to take a bear to someone in need of comfort or support in a difficult time. If you know an adult or a child who is ill, shut-in, lonely, or discouraged, take them a bear on behalf of our church. Each bear will have a special tag with information about FPC on one side. The other side will carry this message:

        “This special bear worshipped with us at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. It has heard our scriptures, prayers, songs and sermons. It has been loved by our congregation, and now it comes to you with our blessings. It brings prayers of love, peace and joy to you today and always.”

        DONATING A BEAR: Donations of bears (only bears, please) are now being accepted. There is a box in the narthex in which you may place the bears. Because these bears will be special gifts, we request that they all be new, but, just as people come in all shapes, sizes and colors, we are accepting bears in all shapes, sizes and colors, with or without clothes and other accessories.

Bear Ministry Needs Your Support

        We are so pleased that our congregation has opened its heart to our Bear Ministry. This ministry offers comfort and love to people in need through the gift of a teddy bear that has worshipped with us at FPC.

        Over 50 bears have been given out since we began the ministry in March. Many thanks to Mary Ann Campbell who has lovingly tagged and placed the bears on the pews.

        If you know someone (adult or child) who is ill, lonely or depressed, please feel free to take them a bear on behalf of our church. Each bear wears a special tag with information about FPC and this message:

        “This special bear worshipped with us at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. It has heard our scriptures, prayers, songs and sermons. It has been loved by our congregation, and now it comes to you with our blessings. It brings prayers of love, peace and joy to you, today and always. Love bears all things. (1 Corinthians 13)

        In order for this ministry to remain successful, we must constantly replenish our supply of bears. Please consider donating bears to this worthwhile ministry. There is a box in the narthex for these new bears. Just as people come in all shapes, sizes and colors, we accept bears in all shapes, sizes and colors, with or without clothes.

        Please call Megan Lyons at 703-273-5300, if you have questions.