Congregational Care: Strengthening Our Bonds
At UMCG, we are committed to caring for one another as Christ cares for us. Whether it’s through a comforting prayer shawl, pastoral care, or support in times of grief, our congregational care ministries are central to the life of our church. These ministries remind us that we are a community—bound together in love, through both our joys and our sorrows.
One of the most impactful ministries we offer is Stephen Ministry, where trained members of our congregation provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care to people who are hurting. As Stephen Ministries puts it, “God works through Stephen Ministers to plant seeds of hope and healing in people’s lives during difficult times.” Stephen Ministers walk alongside people in need, offering compassionate, non-judgmental support.
In the video below, you’ll hear stories about how these ministries have touched lives. From Stephen Ministers to Friendly Visitors, our care ministries create a fabric of love and support that strengthens the bonds of our congregation.
Caring for Our Church Family
Congregational care at UMCG extends far beyond Stephen Ministry. We offer a wide range of support to meet the diverse needs of our congregation, including:
- Friendly Visitors, who offer companionship to those who may be homebound or isolated.
- Caregivers Support Groups provide a safe space for those caring for loved ones to share their challenges and receive emotional support.
- Prayer Shawls are made with love and prayer, providing comfort to those facing illness or loss.
- Pastoral Care, including Funerals, Marriage Preparation, and Memorial Communion Services, offering guidance and spiritual support during life’s key moments.
- Financial Assistance for church members in times of need, ensuring no one in our community feels abandoned in difficult times.
These ministries are not only lifelines for those in need but also vital ways in which we, as a church, live out our calling to care for one another in Christ’s name.
Thirteen cents of every dollar supports congregational care!
Your Opportunity to Extend Care
This year, any new or increased estimate of giving will be matched up to $5,000. That means that if you increase your giving by $25 a month, it will be doubled to $50 per month, helping us to expand and sustain these vital ministries of care.
We invite you to make an estimate of giving, either by filling out a card in the pews or placing it in the offering plate. There’s also a secure box in the church office, but we encourage you to use the online form found here.
Caring for One Another
The ministries of care at UMCG are a testament to the love we have for each other. Through these programs, we are the hands and feet of Christ, offering hope, support, and companionship to those who need it most. Your generosity makes this possible.
Thank you for helping us continue to strengthen the bonds of our church family.
