When the community cancer support group at Conestoga Mennonite Church in Morgantown disbanded, those seeking help with their cancer journey did not have far to go. This past fall, the group merged with the cancer support group at Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community in East Earl. Meetings, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., are led by Rodney Horst, the church's pastor of care ministries. The next scheduled meeting will be on Jan. 15.

The cancer support group in Morgantown was led by Cheryl Heineman, along with her husband, Paul, who both moved out of the area. "(Cheryl) and her husband were moving to Bloomsburg, and she was looking at finding a group where her members could plug into," said Horst. "I went to observe their group meeting. I did some introductions and gave a synopsis of what our group was like."

To make the transition even smoother for participants, the support groups met for a picnic last summer. "We (had) a picnic at Poole Forge park for both groups in August as a way of introducing the groups to each other with the understanding that we would start up again in September, and we have been meeting monthly," said Horst.

Horst started the cancer support group at Weaverland in January of 2017. "I saw the need. ... It seems like almost every family has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has," he stated. "Our vision statement was, 'To show love and compassion for persons and their caregivers facing cancer and offering hope through Jesus Christ.'"

At that time, Horst led the group activities. "We often had a guest speaker - someone who had experienced a journey with cancer or perhaps someone who had lost a loved one to cancer," he said. "It was a time of sharing stories, updates and encouragement for one another. This included (learning) tips, advice and resources for navigating a cancer journey from other experiences."

The group stopped meeting in January of 2020 and then did not meet again for several years because of the pandemic. "We started up again in October of 2023 with Patricia Wright, executive director of Upward Call Counseling Services, providing resourcing for our group," Horst explained. "I help to coordinate and facilitate the group, but Patricia is the primary resource speaker. We are open to having guest speakers from time to time as well."

Wright has a Bachelor of Arts in biblical and theological studies and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Regent University. She received her master's degree in social work from Millersville University and is a licensed clinical social worker. Wright also has her doctorate in social work (ABD) and is currently working on her Doctor of Ministry with a specialization in leadership at Lancaster Bible College.

"The format for our evenings now is a welcome and short meditation or ice-breaking activity, followed by a time of input by Patricia," noted Horst. "We usually provide an optional time of sharing updates and prayer requests with the group. We close out by enjoying a time of refreshments and fellowship with group members."

He noted that the group is free and open to people of all ages, including cancer patients, survivors and caretakers. Educational information is provided at the meetings. "We have flyers and handouts with valuable information, tips and advice for people on a cancer journey, not only for them but for caregivers," he added.

Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community is located at 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl. Guests should use the main entrance facing south, off Route 897. Horst is on hand to greet visitors and show them to the room where the meetings take place.

For more information about the cancer support group, contact rodneyhorst@weaverland.org. More information about the church and its activities is available at http://www.weaverland.org and http://www.facebook.com/weaverlandmennonitechurch.