Congregational Care Ministry
Building a Healthy Tomorrow through
Caring for One Another Today
The Congregational Care Ministry will serve as a faith-filled gathering space, where the actions, needs, and hopes of our caring ministries come together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Rooted in faith, we will work together to uplift and support one another, ensuring that the compassionate work of our ministries is heard, valued and supported. This collaborative effort will strengthen the presence of each ministry—whether established, emerging, or newly envisioned—by seeking timely solutions and resources to help each one flourish in serving our congregation. Representing Stephen Ministry, The Bereavement Team, Full Circle Connections, Card Care Ministry, Care & Share Kitchen, and other similarly purposed groups, the Congregational Care Ministry will act as a conduit of faith and communication. Together, we will support our ministers in serving the congregation through both confidential individual caregiving and open engagement. Our regular gatherings with lay ministry leaders will help us stay deeply connected and responsive to the congregation’s needs, fostering a community that is guided by faith and dedicated to caring for one another in Christ’s love.
“So meaningful,” “food was perfect,” “so beautiful,” “setting was superb,” “with our deepest appreciation” …. these are but a few of the ways First Church’s grieving families have expressed their gratitude for the gatherings hosted by the Bereavement Ministry Team following memorial services or funerals celebrating the lives of their loved ones. The consensus is that these receptions or meals in the company of family and friends help provide closure, an important step in the healing process following loss.
Founded in 2013 by the then Senior Deacon Elaine Warren, the Bereavement Team has hosted 63 events to date. Families can choose from the simplest of menus (Level1 cookies and coffee) through a range of finger-food receptions to the most complex offering, a Level 4 (sit-down, hot) luncheon or dinner. There is no fee charged, but a family’s voluntary gift of gratitude made to First Church’s Bereavement Fund helps defray expenses.
Currently a seven-member Bereavement Committee makes decisions regarding expenditures and/or procedures. They are supplemented by an additional twenty Bereavement Providers. Altogether this group responds when called upon to supply prepared foods and volunteer help.
Team members have declared that one of the most gratifying aspects of their involvement in the ministry is the fellowship that develops when working side-by-side with others preparing foods in the kitchen or readying the Parish Hall to receive guests. Satisfaction also comes from observing the guests’ hugs and camaraderie as the team’s efforts are being enjoyed.
To those interested in ways to be involved in First Church’s corporate life: consider joining the Bereavement Team. Simply contact Jan Wade through care@first-church.org.
First Church Card Care Ministry meets monthly to write sympathy, get well, thinking of you, birthday, and anniversary cards to members, friends, and others. This group meets on the first Monday of each month.
People interested in providing meals to members in times of need such as after birth or adoption, after hospitalization or rehabilitation, death of loved one.
The Care & Share Kitchen is a group of volunteers that comes together as needed, to “stock the freezer” with healthy meals that can be readily available to members needing meal support. They prepare meals during scheduled times at church, or individually from their homes. After all, many hands make light work. Members may purchase Door Dash gift cards for the Care & Share Kitchen’s use to provide additional meal support for members until further arrangements can be made.
The members of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Fiber Arts Ministry are devoted to caring for individuals in times of celebration, loss, healing both physical and emotional, and whenever support is needed. This ministry unites fiber artists who find joy in knitting, crocheting, quilting, and weaving.
Fiber Arts Ministry is an inclusive, welcoming community dedicated to sharing love and care through the art of fiber. Together, our members craft beautiful prayer shawls, soft blankets for newborns, warm winter hats and scarves, and much more. Whether a beginner or an experienced artisan, all are welcome to join us in this meaningful work.
Each item is lovingly crafted and filled with prayers. Each item is presented as a gift. And, each gift is a symbol of Christ’s love and our calling to love one another.
Full Circle Connections was initiated to provide a meaningful space where members can engage in conversations that truly matter. Unlike casual gatherings, each meeting centers on a chosen theme, determined in advance based on participants’ interests or concerns. This focus, announced prior to each gathering, can span one or multiple meetings, often organically leading to new, related topics. Discussions cover a range of subjects, from church matters and community concerns to national issues, health, and wellness. The group is designed to be self-guided, allowing participants to shape its direction and growth.
In times where social connection is essential yet often hindered, dedicating space for intentional conversation and support becomes invaluable. Through respectful listening and the open exchange of ideas, Full Circle Connections fosters a sense of belonging, deepens our understanding of diverse perspectives, and sparks inspiration. This gathering creates a pathway to connection and healing.
Meetings are held twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays at 10:00 a.m. in the church parlor. Everyone is welcome, including visitors.
Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who receive high-quality training in Christian caregiving. Among the training topics are: Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours; The Art of Listening; Distinctively Christian Caring; Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly; A Process Approach to Caring; Confidentiality; and Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief. First Congregational Church, UCC Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life.
At First Congregational Church, UCC we share in worship, the nurture of our faith development, our calling to social justice, music & arts, and the care of our church home—building a strong, loving community through faith and fellowship.
When life’s challenges—illness, hospitalization, or mobility concerns—keep us apart, our Visitation Ministry helps to keep us connected. Through visits, prayer, and companionship, we remind one another that no one is forgotten and that we are always one in Christ.
This ministry is a blessing to all involved. Those receiving care feel supported and uplifted, while those who serve find their own faith and hearts enriched. In giving, we receive—and in community, we are made whole.