We have printed the welcome note and include it with each package of teacup, tea, placemat and napkin that is taken to each new widow as she is invited to join and share in Teacup Ministry. This note can be simply handwritten and copied. In our note, we felt the need to stress sharing and caring and warm friendliness. As Teacup Ministry passes beyond the initial start-up phase, the women joining may be predominantly brand new widows and the timing of the outreach and invitation should be handled with sensitivity. The second week is our goal for visitation with a new widow. Click on the form search button above for a copy of our welcome note.

The wish list sign-up sheet is distributed to all the ladies in Teacup. It queries not only the areas they would like companionship, assistance and transportation, but is a tool that allows them to reach out to offer the same things to others.

The wish list sign-up was used initially in starting up Teacup Ministry, but is also used as a maintenance tool. Our members' needs change as their circumstances change. When once transportation was offered, in time it might become a need. As new members come into the group, they will not want to be left out of the loop of caring and sharing.

The sign-up also provides our members the opportunity to share information on various services they have found reliable with which others might still be struggling. The idea is to facilitate widows coming alongside and assisting other widows in many different ways. The information is included in the Resource Booklet.

We make sure that all of the information is updated quarterly. Wish Lists are distributed only to our Teacup members. This is a tool for their use. If they are looking for a shopping buddy or a games partner, they can see who else in the group desires a shopping buddy or a games partner. It is entirely their responsibility to put this tool to use for themselves. Click on the form search button above for a copy of Wish List Sign-Up form.

When Teacup Ministry was just getting started, we got permission for a bulletin insert one Sunday. The purpose of this was two-fold. We wanted to compile a resource booklet of services, and we wanted a volunteer base from which our Teacup ladies might seek assistance. It seemed that we could accomplish both by asking our congregation for their recommendations and voluntary assistance.

From this effort, we were able to put together a resource booklet, a sample of which you may see by clicking on the form search button above. This booklet is updated and distributed to Teacup members anually.

This is truly a labor of love. The questions and information on this form were compiled by some of the Teacup members who remembered, from their own experiences, the logistical problems of dealing with a sudden death in the family. There is an incredible amount of information that is needed at a time when one is least likely to be thinking in a business-like manner. This form, filled out in advance, can ease that situation.

This form is not intended to replace legal advice, but to supply critical information to family members or a trusted friend at a crucial time. This has been prepared and presented as a gift back to our congregation from the Teacup Ministry. We encourage everyone we know to use this information as a gift to their own loved ones. Click on the form search button above for a copy of A Gift to Loved Ones form. In less than one year over 4,000 copies have been distributed.