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History & Welcome

Our Story

 SERVING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY 

HeartLifters was founded in 2017 when two women working in the Sligo Church Office, each having lost her husband to cancer, shared their personal journeys of grief. They realized that, despite the church’s many ministries, there was nothing specifically designed to support those who had lost a spouse. After sharing this observation with another staff member, the vision for HeartLifters was born.

Kathleen Driscoll, Sheila Schlisner-Hendricks, and Charlotte Conway began to imagine what a ministry for widowers could look like. At its core, they envisioned a space to rediscover joy after loss. The ministry began with a potluck dinner, inviting those listed in the Sligo Church database who had lost spouses. This initial gathering became the foundation of a supportive community–one that shared ideas, encouraged one another, and inspired the mission of HeartLifters.

HeartLifters would like to help

 Our ministry was formed to comfort, offer assistance, and provide a support community.

With a start-up budget, the team developed a logo, launched a website, began a card ministry, and created care packages for members grieving the loss of a spouse. Workshops and gatherings soon followed. As the ministry grew, it welcomed individuals facing other forms of loss. Divorced members and those who had placed a spouse into long-term care expressed a need for community and were warmly embraced. HeartLifters naturally expanded to serve anyone experiencing the loss of a spouse, through death, divorce, or dementia.

With support from Sligo’s pastors, staff, church board, and members, especially our former Senior Pastor Charles Tapp, HeartLifters has flourished as a meaningful, compassionate outreach ministry, lifting up those walking through some of life’s deepest valleys.

A Welcome Message from Our Pastor

As you and your family navigate this difficult time, I know that words can hardly express the pain and sorrow you are feeling right now, but I want you to know that you are not alone. Heartlifters was designed to offer comfort and support to those experiencing the difficult journey of grief.

As a church family, members are called to support one another and offer hope during times of sorrow. Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating experience and it’s the church’s desire to create a safe and nurturing space where individuals can find strength, healing and connection in Christ.

"HeartLifters is a ministry that will equip your church to lift up and support those in your congregation who face the emptiness of life after loss. "

Through various social events, small groups, personal cards, care packages, workshops, seminars, prayer support to help our members navigate the emotions, questions, and challenges that come with loss. We pray that this ministry will be as uplifting to your congregation as it has been to ours.  

If you are grieving, or know someone who is, you are invited to be part of this ministry. By supporting each other, sharing burdens, and relying on God’s love, comfort and hope can be found in the midst of pain.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” 

 — Matthew 5:4

May God’s peace and comfort be with you all.

With love,
Pastor Pranitha Fielder 

Father God, we pray for the families that are grieving the loss of someone they love. Lord heal the hurting and be the one that is alone after losing their special loved one. Give them the strength to go on. Touch them with your healing hand today. May the Holy Spirit speak peace to their hearts. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray.