CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM
Congregational Care seeks to provide nurture and care for our church family with various activities and intergenerational functions that encourage fellowship. We strive to provide help with visits to members who can no longer attend church to help them stay connected to the church. Notes of encouragement and care are sent during illness, grieving, and crisis situations.
We provide a handicap equipment closet for those who need such items on a short-term basis. A special group, "Lunch Bunch," are those in our congregation who have lost a loved one and meet monthly for lunch outings at local restaurants. The Tranquility Tea groups provide a respite "tea time" for caregivers, available to members as well as those in the community. Care Notes are on display racks throughout the church and are available free of charge to provide encouragement and support during various difficult times. The quarterly devotional, "The Upper Room," is also available at the church. Special efforts are made for grieving families by providing food at home, at the funeral home or at receptions following the funeral service.
The goal of Congregational Care is to fulfill our purpose of Seeking, Sharing and Serving. The team consists of the following subgroups.
A. Health Ministry:
The purpose of Health Ministry is to promote health and wellness among those attending St. Matthews United Methodist Church. The St. Matthews UMC Health Ministry Team consists of medical professionals and health-minded persons who address health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit for all members and visitors in the congregation. The Health Ministry Team carries out activities to educate and promote wellness such as blood pressure screenings, dispersal of health information, and the Walk to 
Jerusalem exercise program. To be a part of this exciting ministry,
Contact: Kathy Bryant at 475-4175
B. Visitation Ministry:
The purpose of Visitation Ministry is to create intentional connection with those who are homebound, in rehab, or in a nursing home. If you enjoy people and want to make a difference in the lives of those who are unable to attend church or Sunday School, please contact: Kate Shafferman at 897-6449; Rev. Lori Casey at 897-6449
C. Prayer Ministry:
The purpose of Prayer Ministry is to promote life-changing prayer in the congregation. Through various avenues, people are brought together to pray for the needs of the church. Currently there is an E-mail Prayer Team as well as a Prayer Ministry Team that meets to design prayer opportunities and classes in the church. All are welcome and encouraged to be a part of this vital ministry. Contact: Mary Mader at 897-3774
D. Meal Ministry:
The goal of the Meal Ministry is to provide a hot meal to those attending the church who are going through a time of need. If you would like to be a part of this important outreach and service in our church, Contact: Kate Shafferman at 897-6449
E. Prayer Blanket Ministry:
Saint Matthews United Methodist Church Prayer Blanket Ministry provides a prayer blanket to anyone in need of special comfort due to illness, grief, loss, or lonliness. Recipients receive a prayer blanket and a note letting them know they are covered by the prayers of our entire congregation, reminding them that he/she is not alone, that God is with them. The blankets are made by members of the church and prayed over in a worship service. You may request a blanket through any staff member.
This is an on-going ministry that welcomes every member's involvement:
1. Continually pray for the recipients of the blankets.
2.Help make blankets, (Contact any member of Quilted Memories or pick up directions in the church office) or make a donation towards purchasing fabric.
3. Request a blanket for someone in need.
contact Eileen James at 771-7767.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM
Congregational Care seeks to provide nurture and care for our church family with various activities and intergenerational functions that encourage fellowship. We strive to provide help with visits to members who can no longer attend church to help them stay connected to the church. Notes of encouragement and care are sent during illness, grieving, and crisis situations.
We provide a handicap equipment closet for those who need such items on a short-term basis. A special group, "Lunch Bunch," are those in our congregation who have lost a loved one and meet monthly for lunch outings at local restaurants. The Tranquility Tea groups provide a respite "tea time" for caregivers, available to members as well as those in the community. Care Notes are on display racks throughout the church and are available free of charge to provide encouragement and support during various difficult times. The quarterly devotional, "The Upper Room," is also available at the church. Special efforts are made for grieving families by providing food at home, at the funeral home or at receptions following the funeral service.
The goal of Congregational Care is to fulfill our purpose of Seeking, Sharing and Serving. The team consists of the following subgroups.
A. Health Ministry:
The purpose of Health Ministry is to promote health and wellness among those attending St. Matthews United Methodist Church. The St. Matthews UMC Health Ministry Team consists of medical professionals and health-minded persons who address health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit for all members and visitors in the congregation. The Health Ministry Team carries out activities to educate and promote wellness such as blood pressure screenings, dispersal of health information, and the Walk to Jerusalem exercise program. To be a part of this exciting ministry,
Contact: Kathy Bryant at 475-4175
B. Visitation Ministry:
The purpose of Visitation Ministry is to create intentional connection with those who are homebound, in rehab, or in a nursing home. If you enjoy people and want to make a difference in the lives of those who are unable to attend church or Sunday School, please contact: Kate Shafferman at 897-6449; Rev. Lori Casey at 897-6449
C. Prayer Ministry:
The purpose of Prayer Ministry is to promote life-changing prayer in the congregation. Through various avenues, people are brought together to pray for the needs of the church. Currently there is an E-mail Prayer Team as well as a Prayer Ministry Team that meets to design prayer opportunities and classes in the church. All are welcome and encouraged to be a part of this vital ministry. Contact: Mary Mader at 897-3774
D. Meal Ministry:
The goal of the Meal Ministry is to provide a hot meal to those attending the church who are going through a time of need. If you would like to be a part of this important outreach and service in our church, Contact: Kate Shafferman at 897-6449
E. Prayer Blanket Ministry:
Saint Matthews United Methodist Church Prayer Blanket Ministry provides a prayer blanket to anyone in need of special comfort due to illness, grief, loss, or lonliness. Recipients receive a prayer blanket and a note letting them know they are covered by the prayers of our entire congregation, reminding them that he/she is not alone, that God is with them. The blankets are made by members of the church and prayed over in a worship service. You may request a blanket through any staff member.
This is an on-going ministry that welcomes every member's involvement:
1. Continually pray for the recipients of the blankets.
2.Help make blankets, (Contact any member of Quilted Memories or pick up directions in the church office) or make a donation towards purchasing fabric.
3. Request a blanket for someone in need.
contact Eileen James at 771-7767.