If you’ve ever read through our Sunday bulletin or opened your weekly church email, you’ve likely noticed a bold little section called The Concerns of the Parish—or as most of us know it, “The Red Box.” It may seem like a simple square of text, but it holds something deeply meaningful: the names of those in our community who need prayer.
These names represent people walking through all kinds of seasons—grief, illness, recovery, transition, celebration, new life. And as a church family, we surround them in prayer, trusting that when we lift each other up, God moves in powerful ways. The Red Box is how we make that care visible and collective. It’s a way of saying, You’re not alone.
Why Is It Red?
In the United Methodist tradition, the color red carries rich symbolism. It represents the Holy Spirit—the fire of Pentecost and the energy of divine presence. But it’s also the color of courage, love, and the bold faith of Christ.
When we place someone’s name in a red box, we’re not just using a standout color. We’re offering a visible expression of support. That red reminds us to pause, to pray, to lift someone up with intention. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that connects our daily life with the ongoing work of God.
Who Can Be Included?
The short answer? Anyone.
The Red Box is for more than just serious crises or major life events. It’s a space for all kinds of needs and celebrations. One week, it might include someone recovering from surgery. Another week, it could be a student preparing for exams, a couple expecting their first child, or a grieving family navigating a loss. Every story matters.
The names printed in red serve as a quiet call to action—a nudge for each of us to extend care, even if only through a whispered prayer or a gentle thought throughout the week.
How to Add a Name
Submitting a name to the Red Box is easy, and we take your privacy seriously. Names are only printed with permission, either from the individual or from an immediate family member, and at the discretion of our ministers. The only exception is when a member of the church passes away; in that case, their name is shared for two weeks so that the congregation can offer prayer and support to their loved ones.
If you’d like to add someone to the list, you can:
- Submit a prayer request online and indicate that the name may be shared in the bulletin
- Fill out a prayer card during worship and drop it in the offering plate
- Call the Church Office at (706) 884-4635 or email us at churchoffice@lagrangefumc.org
- Speak directly with a pastor
Whether it’s your name or someone else’s, know this: asking for prayer is never a burden. It’s an invitation for the community to come alongside you, and we’re honored to do just that.
What If I Need to Remove a Name?
No explanation needed—just let us know. Life moves, needs shift, and sometimes it’s time for a name to come off the list. You can call (706) 884-4635, email, or simply send a note. We’re happy to update the box at any time.
And even when a name is no longer printed, the spirit of prayer remains. Love has a way of lingering.
Why It Matters
At its heart, the Red Box is about connection. It reminds us that we belong to one another… that even in a busy, often fragmented world, we can still be intentional about caring for each other.
Prayer doesn’t have to be eloquent or long-winded to matter. A single sentence, offered sincerely, can be enough. That’s the beauty of this simple tradition: it invites every one of us to pause, remember, and pray. Not out of obligation, but out of love.
As Paul writes in Galatians, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That’s exactly what we aim to do—one name, one prayer, one week at a time.
An Invitation
So the next time you spot the Red Box, take a moment. Let your eyes land on a name, offer a quiet prayer. and if you or someone you know needs that same kind of care, don’t hesitate to reach out.
The box is open.
And so are our hearts.