(CONTRIBUTED)

Women can enjoy a relaxing, restful time at the Women’s R & R Lunch, while they help young women in crisis.

The lunch on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be held in the fellowship hall of Asbury United Methodist Church, 980 Hughes Road. Main Street Cafe will cater the meal. Tickets are $12.

The event will benefit Mercy Ministries, which “serves young girls, ages 13-28, who suffer from any number of life-controlling issues,” Lori Frusterio said. She and Tammy Miller are event organizers. “The only way for these young women to make a life change is by accepting the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.”

Founder Nancy Alcorn and her staff with Mercy Ministries “have dedicated their lives to help these sweet girls realize how much God loves them,” Frusterio said.

Mercy Ministries offers a free and voluntary residential program in a faith-based environment for young women from all socio-economic backgrounds facing issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy.

In addition, the ministry helps women who have been physically and sexually abused, including victims of sex trafficking. “Mercy Ministries’ goal is to help them find freedom from their issues and empower them to serve in their communities as productive citizens,” Miller said.

Frusterio said she and Miller will share “what is on our hearts concerning Mercy Ministries, how we became involved and some ways we’ve been able to serve with them over the past year and a half.”

They also will explain ways that individuals can get involved with the Waves of Mercy Spring Benefit on April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Mooresville. The event will feature a silent and live auction, entertainment and dinner.

For lunch reservations, email to leeanne.kavangh@asburyumsmadison.com.

For information about the Women’s R & R Lunch, email to lori.frusterio@asburyumcmadison.com or visit Facebook/Asbury UMC Mercy Ministries Group. For information about the ministry, visit mercyministries.org.