Caring Ministries - Spiritual Care

Visitation Ministry
The members of this group will be responsible for the initial visit and follow-up contact listed under the heading of Stephen Ministers. These are the people the Stephen Ministers will be training for their ministry as lay pastoral ministers.

Long Term Care Visitation
Members of close associates who have been relocated to an Assisted Living Facility, “voluntarily or involuntarily”, close by that may be visited. Depending on the condition, if a visit is not appropriate a caring card could be mailed to them. This includes nursing home visitation and homebound members.

Hospice Visitation
There are times when one is in the final stages of life. A visit from the church family on a regular basis to the member and/or family is much appreciated. This takes a special type of person, if God has equipped you for this ministry, it would be a blessing to the family and to the church.

Grief Follow-up Visitation
Grieving does not end at the cemetery or when the divorce papers have been signed. The church family is responsible for the mental welfare and emotional well being of its members. A friendly cup of coffee and a show of concern and caring could make the days and weeks much easier. If you have ever been in one of these circumstances, then you know the ‘left alone’ feeling we can all get at such times. A warm persona to relate to is a cool drink of water in these times.

Personal Crises
Stephen Ministers are trained and desire to help with just such crises as divorce, loss of job, etc. However, there are some who do not wish to have a SM. We need to develop support groups or locate support groups in the area to address these needs. Preferably they would choose a SM, if not, we still would want to support them in any way possible.

Food Preparation Group
There are occasions when it is nice for the church to prepare a meal or meals for a family in need. When there is a funeral it is customary for the church to prepare food for the family and close friends after the service. There are also Shut Ins who are unable to cook for themselves and either do not want to go to a home or can not afford a retirement home. These people are God’s children who need some special attention with at least one meal a day suitable for their dietary needs.

Telephone Ministry
The Stephen Ministry is currently placing a call to each member on the prayer list. This encourages the member that they are being prayed for by the members of the prayer chain and the church in general.

Card Ministry
Stephen Ministry is currently sending out a card to those on the prayer list. We have received many “heartfelt” thanks for this ministry and definitely feel it is a valued and appreciated form of contact, concern and caring.