Congregational Care Ministry
Building a Healthy Tomorrow through
Caring for One Another Today
The Congregational Care Ministry will establish an umbrella under which the actions, needs, and concerns of care ministry groups have a united voice on Church Council. The ministry will strive to ensure that established, emerging, and new care ministries’ needs will be brought to Church Council and timely solutions sought to maintain and sustain their programs. The Congregational Care Ministry will represent Stephen Ministry, Bereavement Committee, First Church Care Ministry, Full Circle Connections, Card Care Ministry, and other similarly purposed groups. We will be a communication bridge between our minister(s) in meeting the needs of the congregation through Stephen Ministry’s confidential pastoral meeting format. We will plan regular meetings with representatives from each of the care ministries, and will report to the Church Council through the established meeting schedule.
To serve receptions following memorial services or funerals at the church.
First Church Care Ministry meets monthly to write sympathy, get well, thinking of you, birthday, and anniversary cards to members, friends, and others. This group meets on the first Monday of each month.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Members may be comforted by receiving a prayer shawl, lovingly hand-knitted by one of our members.
People interested in providing meals to members in times of need such as after birth or adoption, after hospitalization or rehabilitation, death of loved one.
The Care & Share Kitchen is a group of volunteers that comes together as needed, to “stock the freezer” with healthy meals that can be readily available to members needing meal support. They prepare meals during scheduled times at church, or individually from their homes. After all, many hands make light work. Members may purchase Door Dash gift cards for the Care & Share Kitchen’s use to provide additional meal support for members until further arrangements can be made.
Full Circle Connections was initiated to provide a meaningful space where members can engage in conversations that truly matter. Unlike casual gatherings, each meeting centers on a chosen theme, determined in advance based on participants’ interests or concerns. This focus, announced prior to each gathering, can span one or multiple meetings, often organically leading to new, related topics. Discussions cover a range of subjects, from church matters and community concerns to national issues, health, and wellness. The group is designed to be self-guided, allowing participants to shape its direction and growth.
In times where social connection is essential yet often hindered, dedicating space for intentional conversation and support becomes invaluable. Through respectful listening and the open exchange of ideas, Full Circle Connections fosters a sense of belonging, deepens our understanding of diverse perspectives, and sparks inspiration. This gathering creates a pathway to connection and healing.
Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who receive high-quality training in Christian caregiving. Among the training topics are: Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours; The Art of Listening; Distinctively Christian Caring; Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly; A Process Approach to Caring; Confidentiality; and Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief. First Congregational Church, UCC Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life.