CARING CRAFTS MINISTRY

In addition to knitted and crocheted shawls, this group also creates baby blankets and adult lap robes, which are given to our members and friends as a warm and tangible reminder of God’s all embracing love and care. Participants meet the last Monday of each month during the day.

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HELPING HEARTS: AFRICAN MISSIONS TEAM: Amy Webb • amystewartwebb@yahoo.com

This team will carry on with the goal of making a difference in the lives of Malawian orphans who are suffering from hunger, poverty, or a lack of educational opportunities. The only requirement is a “can-do” attitude!

Our objectives are to further develop the relationship with our partner “sister church” and our African partner mission team "Friends of Children Arts Society". The team will find ways to share the compassionate love of Jesus with those who are suffering.

Projects will be undertaken as time, talents, and volunteer resources permit. An annual World AIDS Day Benefit Concert will be an on-going fundraiser. We have a special need for people with experience in publicity, management, and fundraising but all are welcome! Mission trips to Africa are envisioned in the future!

We meet every 4 - 6 weeks for a dinner meeting in a team member's home for prayer, dinner, and a planning meeting.

The Malawi Mission Team's website, http://malawi-ministry.tripod.com/, has more information.

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PARISH CARE MINISTRIES

"Parish Care" doesn't involve only ordained ministers! When any members of our congregation reach out in love to other members and friends who are in need, that's parish care at its best.  Here at First Congregational Church, both the needs and the opportunities for reaching out are many and varied. Donna Mead is the Parish Care Coordinator.

Food Ministry:
Some people love to cook. Others, perhaps after a hospital stay or during a difficult time, aren't able to prepare a home-cooked meal. This ministry is where the two come together. Gourmet skills are not required!

Freezer Ministry:
This is an adjunct of our Food Ministry. We will stock a freezer with soups and casseroles for emergency meals, or when the demand for meals is especially heavy.

Card Ministry:
When illness or other difficulties arise, receiving a card from a thoughtful friend can brighten anyone's day. In this caring ministry, members and friends of the church design and hand-write cards for those who could use a cheery or consoling word.

Phone Ministry:
Receiving a phone call from a caring person can do a lot to make members and friends of the church feel less isolated. This ministry puts into practice the old telephone company slogan, "Reach out and touch someone."

Rides Ministry:
There are times when it is difficult or impossible to get a ride to a Sunday service, a meeting, or a medical appointment. Drivers who love helping others and have a flexible schedule are linked together in this vital ministry.

Caring Crafts Ministry:
After a visit from a minister or a member of our church, a beautiful hand-knit shawl is left behind to let the person know that their church cares. Those in the church who love to knit make this ministry possible .

Baptism Ministry:
This ministry team delivers a warm blanket to newborns, and greets families of children being baptized with a baptism plaque.

Small Chores Ministry:
Many friends and members of our church are no longer capable of doing some home maintenance chores. Whether it is changing a light in the ceiling, letter writing, or raking leaves, this ministry connects those with the time and talent to the person in need.

Stephen Ministry:
Stephen Ministers are laymen and laywomen in our congregation who provide one-to-one Christian care to people who are bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, or otherwise facing a crisis or life challenge. Special training is required for this exciting ministry. For more information, see the Stephen Ministry page.