CARING MINISTRIES 

To serve the people and meet the growing needs of our Church and community through the creation, development and continuous improvement of Caring Ministries.

 
In addition to the Pastoral Care offered by the clergy of our church, there are several programs of caring by members and friends of the church.  They fall under the umbrella called Caring Ministries.  They are:
 
Called to Care 
Sometimes a visit and time of fellowship makes the heart warmer.  The Called to Care Ministry team visits shut-ins, nursing homes and people with special needs.  They help to deliver flowers on Christmas, Easter and after Sunday services.  They also help out when someone needs transportation for medical appointments.
 
Bread and Caring
For almost everyone, food brings comfort.  For others, making that food and bringing it to those in need is what brings the comfort.  The Bread and Caring Ministry team is just that:  cooking or baking for those who need support at challenging times in their lives.  Whether for a memorial service, a person recovering from surgery or maybe just as bad bout with the flu, the Bread and Caring ministry is there with a good meal and fellowship.
 
Prayer Shawl/Mantle Ministry 
For centuries, shawls have been made to provide warmth and comfort to those wearing them.  On the second Thursday of each month, we have a group of people who meet regularly to pray and knit together. Each shawl or mantle has healing prayers and blessings woven into it.  They are given to those in need of healing prayers, encouragement and in celebration of joyous events.
 
Parish Nurse Ministry
 The role of a Parish Nurse is to assist and empower inidivuduals to become more active partners in the managment of their personal health resources. Parish Nursing provides an opportunity for faith communities to live our their "call to care" for their neighbor.  Parish Nursing is by its very nature, a spiritual and healing program that helps to create a faith community based on wholeness.  Our Parish Nurses are certified Registered Nurses who integrate their faith and their professional skills by offering noninvasive physical, emotional and spiritual care as they promote wholistic wellness, serve as advocates, health counselors and educators.  Throughout the year, the nurses offer blood pressure clinics and other programs to integrate faith and wellness.