Coffee and Conversations participants gather to support each other at First UMC in Watertown, SD. Photos by Rev. Sara McManus.

On Monday afternoons at First United Methodist Church in Watertown, South Dakota, a group of women gather for coffee and conversations. 

It is not a worship service, formal prayer group, or Bible study. It is a casual, supportive group. Conversation is centered around supporting each other as caregivers for different situations. Some individuals are caring for a spouse or family member.  Others are dealing with or recovering from an illness.

"I am a caregiver for a husband who is disabled. On Monday afternoons, someone comes to my house and is with him, and I go to Coffee and Conversations. I needed a group that I could have conversations with and connect with," said Roxie Shultz, an organizer for the group.

The group began meeting at the church last fall. "It is a simple time to have fellowship around crafting and the common focus of caregiving," said Rev. Sara McManus, senior pastor at Watertown First UMC.

The group talks about the challenges they face as caregivers, and share resources with each other. 

"If you don't know the resources out there, you are not taking advantage of them. Some people share ideas or helpful equipment or tools," describes Roxie. "It is a chance to be in fellowship and be in prayer with other caregivers."

There is a range of 8-14 people that attend. After the group started meeting in September, word spread outside the church walls to people who were not members of First UMC. 

Currently, the group is providing some personal caregiving for Shultz. She recently had eye surgery. She has had group members support her as she recovers, buying groceries, giving rides, and visiting.  "I have felt the love and support from so many," said Roxie.

Pastor McManus spends weekly time with the group. 

"We are blessed to have Pastor Sara join us. She is a comfort to the group," shares Roxie. "It is casual conversation. Because several members cannot attend worship services, we learn about what is happening in the church, and she learns what is happening in our lives."

Participants do all kinds of crafting sewing, quilting, coloring, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and sewing.

Each month, the group dedicates a session to just conversation. The other weeks, people engage in crafting. 

"It has evolved. One person comes and colors in coloring books. A couple of people crochet. A couple knit. Four of us quilt. A couple of people just come for an hour and a half of conversation with us," explains Roxie Shultz. "One week each month, there is only coffee and conversation. The other weeks, there is crafting, coffee, and conversation."

Those attending Coffee and Conversations have made heart pillows for a local yoga studio to distribute to participants in pre-natal classes. Fidget quilts were sewn and distributed to a local nursing home and a local elementary school. The group also created 50 wheelchair and walker bags for another senior living community. Lap quilts were sewn for another senior facility. Supplies for the projects are donated. 

"If you talk to any quilter, there is always a stash. We use the stash. If we need anything, we ask the congregation, and they provide," said Roxie.  "We do sell some baby quilts and bowl cozies."

It is a flexible group. The size is small enough that people build trust with each other. They feel comfortable bringing up issues and asking questions. 

"As caregivers, we forget that we are important people and that God has a plan for us, too. My husband does not need much socialization. I do. I live 13 miles out in the country. The group reminds me that I need to take 'me time,'" said Roxie. "When you are hanging out alone, it is easy to get angry with God. This group reminds me that God has not forgotten me."

The purpose is not to grow big and not to serve everyone in the entire congregation. 

"The focused group is good for our souls," said Pastor Sara. "The laughter is incredible."

Four couples connected through Coffee and Conversations have decided to gather socially. The couples have gathered for Christmas and Valentine's dinner and are setting up a spring dinner.

Roxie explains, "My husband enjoyed learning that other people will talk to me, and they will try their best to understand me. After having a massive stroke, talking is a challenge."

This simple, small group has created a significant impact. "I am blessed, and this group has impacted my faith. I feel good when I walk out of each week. I feel loved," shares Roxie.