Ministries

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 Barnabas Ministers extend the arm of the church into the homes of those persons suffering short or long-term illnesses that impede their ability to attend worship services. In this way, members of our faith community stay connected to the congregation-at-large and participate in activities such as praying for the needs of individuals and the community. Once a month, Barnabas Ministers carry Holy Communion to persons’ homes.

Persons living alone, perhaps without family in the area can benefit by having a member of their church family provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. We benefit from belonging!   Persons, on the other hand, who regularly extend care to another benefit from a healthy break to meet their own needs. Friendly Visitors allow caregivers the opportunity to get respite, that time away from those every day responsibilities. 

Writers send a note of encouragement and blessing, as well as a scripture to members who are dealing with long-term illness or are undergoing recovery. Persons who have lost loved ones or are homebound appreciate the church family’s recognition and care.

GriefShare is a Christian self- help group for persons who have experienced loss. Participants receive input from credentialed experts via videos. GriefShare is designed to help one understand what to expect after losing a spouse or loved one. They learn the pitfalls of grief so they are not blindsided by grief’s chaos. The group offers a safe place for persons to share with one another the way life has changed through loss. Spiritual aspects of life and death are also discussed.  

Extends the Lord’s reach into the homes of persons confined to their residence. Monthly visits are designed to allow persons to stay connected to their church family, as well as their church, in experiencing the tangible evidence of God’s love and care. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

Capable volunteers offer assistance to those of our church community who are physically unable to complete minor household repairs. Persons can get help from home maintenance to handle such problems as dripping faucets, leaking toilets or in changing or installing new locks. 

Participants of our E-Mail Prayer Chain receive a list of prayer concerns over the internet each Sunday and throughout the week. This method of communication enables the participants to engage in prayer for those who have been identified via prayer requests. In submitting prayer requests, one should first obtain the individual’s permission. 

In 2008, the Susanna Wesley Circle and UMW introduced the prayer shawl ministry. Currently participating members pray during the process of completing each shawl. Shawls are available for those who are ill, grieving, or experiencing hard times. The hope and prayer is that recipients will feel the warmth of God’s love and comfort once wrapped in their prayer shawl. A selection of beautiful shawls is available in the Church Office.

Stephen Ministers receive fifty hours of training and participate in monthly continuing education. Care by a Stephen Minister does not replace pastoral care, but is designed to be both supplementary and complementary. Because this caring relationship is highly confidential, persons assigned a Stephen Minister are free to share their deepest hurts, fears and questions of faith without concern of being judged or criticized. 

 When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain. Members often feel hopeless and isolated. Compassionate Friends assists in the grieving process by providing comfort, hope and support to the families who experience the death of a son or daughter, grandchild, brother or sister.  

Members of the church extend care in providing persons who are unable to drive needed transportation through this ministry. Help is given to individuals so they might get to church, the doctor’s office or hospital, go for medical testing, or get to the pharmacy or the bank.