Lay-Pastoral Care Ministry
We believe this ministry is a concrete expression of sharing Christ's concern and love for people. Led by our Pastor of Visitation, and supported by many lay-pastoral caregivers, the mission of this caring ministry is to reflect God's heart for people by showing mercy to those who are grieving, ill, or otherwise in need through acts of loving service. Encouragement, financial and/or physical assistance, prayer, and visits are just a few of the ways in which the Lay-Pastoral Care Ministry seeks to be Christ's hands extended to our church family as well as our community. First Church cares for you!
In addition to the biblical counseling for individuals and families provided by our pastoral staff, the Lay-Pastoral Care Ministry currently consists of the following ministry teams that touches lives in a variety of ways.
- Calling and Visitation - Make encouraging telephone calls and visits (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) to the hospitalized or homebound and to those in rehabilitation and retirement centers such as Autumn Acres.
- Financial Planning - Offering family budgeting counseling for those who are experiencing financial hardship or stress.
- Transportation - Providing transportation to health-related appointments (doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.) for those in need of this support.
- Prayer Chain - Providing emergency intercessory prayer in times of crisis.
Other opportunities for expressing care include:
- Card Teams - Sending personalized cards of encouragement to those who are grieving, ill, or otherwise in need as well as to those celebrating life milestones such as anniversaries and birthdays.
- Prayer Shawl Teams - Creating and delivering prayer shawls to those with serious illnesses or who are undergoing difficult emotional or physical circumstances.
- Meal Ministry Teams - Preparing and delivering meals to those who are recovering from serious illness, surgery, or other challenging circumstances.
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket Teams - Gathering, packaging and delivering Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets/meals to those in our community in need.
For more information about this ministry, including opportunities or need for service, please contact Pastor Rob or call/email First Church.
