Our Ministry of Caring
Helping Hands, Loving Hearts

An important part of our mission is to create a caring community.
Every member and friend of this church has a part in that creation.
The ministry of caring includes us all. This brochure describes how you
can take part in our giving and receiving community of care.

Helping Hands Network

The Helping Hands Network is a practical resource to help provide for basic, temporary needs, such as making and delivering meals, transportation, and emergency childcare.

Q: Who makes up the Helping Hands Network?
A: Friends and members of the congregation who are willing and able to provide assistance to others in the congregation experiencing a difficult time sign up to be a part of the Helping Hands Network. Anyone who can cook, drive, do light housework, send a card, or provide other similar services can be a member of the network. We encourage all members to consider joining the network.

Q: How often are individuals in the network asked to help?
A: The more people who are willing to participate in the Helping Hands Network, the less any one individual will be asked to help. Frequency and the time commitment depend on the services offered – cooks may be asked to prepare meals a few times a year, whereas the opportunity to send cards for anniversaries, birthdays, “because you care,” etc, happens on a weekly basis. Network members help when they are able to do so.

Q: What if I only want to help out with certain tasks?
A: The Network’s Co-Coordinators keep a list of the people who make up the
network and their helping interests. You will only be asked to help in your area(s)
of interest.

Q: What if I need assistance and cannot provide support to another at this time?
A: We are here to help! Look for people who have name tags with a navy blue ribbon on them saying “Ministry of Caring” to let us know how we can support you.If you are interested in joining the network or are in need of support, contact one or both of the Co-Coordinators, Kristina Spaude and Julie Lineburgh or our minister.

Loving Hearts Team

The Loving Hearts Team is designed to offer support by providing a listening ministry of presence to members and friends in need.

Q: Who are the members of the Loving Hearts Team?
A: Members of our congregation who have made a commitment of service to the members and friends of this church serve on the Loving Hearts Team. Look for the people wearing name tags with a navy blue ribbon saying “Ministry of Caring.”

Q: What is the role of a team member?
A: Their service is not to counsel or advise, not to fix or advocate. Their service is to listen and witness and care. Team members will also occasionally provide a referral if further supportive services are needed.

Q: How do the team members support the congregation?
A: Members and friends with chronic illness or limited mobility are invited to consider an ongoing relationship with a Team Member. The Team Member and person desiring support will develop a contact plan including at least one visit per month. We are committed to including those who can no longer participate actively in the life of the church in our circle of care.

Members and friends who are experiencing any kind of loss or grief are invited to consider a short term relationship with a Team Member which might include visits, companionship or prayer.

Loving Hearts Team members have received initial training, and supervision from our minister is ongoing. The Loving Hearts Team has committed to keep in confidence the names and personal information of the people they are visiting. The confidentiality agreement will be reviewed with participants at the first meeting with a team member.

If you are interested in receiving a visit from a member of the Loving Hearts Team please contact the team coordinator, Jane Krimmer or our minister.

Pastoral Care from our Minister

Our minister works closely with our lay pastoral care leaders because she believes that ministry is something we do together. Along with them she also provides pastoral care to the congregation.

Q: How can I get pastoral care or counseling from our minister?
A: Contact her at the church office to request an appointment.

Q: What kinds of concerns can I bring to the minister?
A: You may call the minister for any reason, but you are especially encouraged to
call upon her when you need spiritual support. You might consider calling when:

• you or someone you care about is very sick or in the hospital.
• someone you care about has died.
• you would like to discuss your own mortality.
• you are planning a wedding or commitment ceremony.
• you are planning to separate or divorce.
• you would like a ceremony of dedication for your child.
• you are pregnant, but wish you weren’t or are trying to become pregnant, but cannot.
• you or someone you care about is in legal trouble or has been arrested.
• you or someone you care about is struggling with abuse or addiction or mental illness.
• you have lost hope or faith in yourself, another, or life itself.
• you need a referral to a professional counselor.
• you would like to be visited in your home.

Minister’s Discretionary Fund

Thanks to the generosity of the members and friends of this congregation, our minister is able to provide limited financial assistance from the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. If a financial crisis renders you unable to pay for your housing, food, medication, utilities, transportation or other urgent items, please contact the minister.