Middletown Community United Methodist Church is hosting new groups to support community members. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN – Two new groups serving women and parents are beginning at Middletown Community United Methodist Church.

Rae Eby-Carl, senior deputy director of operations and programs at the Lake Family Resource Center, will facilitate a weekly Women’s Empowerment Group at the church beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“I am delighted to return to Middletown – I used to facilitate (a women’s group) 13 years ago and found that it was very well attended,” Eby-Carl said.

There is no cost to participate in this group.

In addition to this program, a new parent support group will be held Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Middletown Methodist Church beginning Oct. 26, facilitated by Kathy Herdman, a parent partner.

A parent partner provides support and resources to other parents who may be experiencing difficulties managing and accessing services for their child with special needs. They can offer assistance to families in times of confusion and help the family find their own voice as they seek access to services.

A parent partner also understands firsthand the daily stresses of meeting the needs of a challenging child and is a liaison and a voice for parents throughout the “system.”

“I am thrilled to facilitate a parent support group in the South County area and happy the Methodist Church of Middletown is offering us a facility,” said Herdman, who currently facilitates a parent’s group in Clearlake on Wednesdays known as Koffee with Kathy.

“It is our responsibility as a church to address the spiritual well being of individuals and also assist with needs of the whole person,” said Pastor Voris Brumfield of the Middletown Methodist Church.

Brumfield said that, as the church council becomes aware of issues within the greater community, they will develop outreach programs and also work with other organizations to meet these needs.

She said the purpose of the church and its people is to put into action the goals that the council approved in September 2009: Passionate worship, radical hospitality, risk taking mission and service, intentional faith development, and extravagant generosity.

For more information about the Women’s Empowerment Group contact Rae Eby-Carl at 707-262-1611

The Middletown Community United Methodist Church practices “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.” Where ever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome to join them.

The church is located at the corner of Washington and Armstrong, one block off Calistoga Street east of the Middletown Post Office.

For information about programming, prayer, services and facilities schedule contact the church at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-295-7174.