Care Ministry
The way you love and care for one another makes all the difference.
Care Ministry
Our Care Ministry helps to express the church’s love and care, along with the pastors, for those who are grieving, in the hospital, ill, and are unable to get about and around because of other heath concerns.
The Care Ministry at VUCC Involves the work of four care groups: Bereavement Care, Congregational Care, Card Care, and the Stephen Ministry.
We want those in our spiritual family to know that they are always being lifted up in prayer and surrounded by our love and care. We are here for our church family.
If you know of someone who is in need of this special ministry, please let us know.
We are to love and care for one another, treating our neighbor as we would want to be treated.
Care Through This Ministry
Congregational Care
The Congregational Care Group demonstrates the church’s love and care for our congregation and members. This group gives special attention to those in the congregation who are ill and/or in the hospital. They visit those who are in the hospital and give any support that is necessary as they heal and recover.
Bereavement Care
The Bereavement Care Group shows their love and care to those who are grieving and need to be surrounded by an extra touch of prayer and love. They help by reaching out to families going through loss. They cook a special meal for the family or help with a reception. They give support in anyway they can.
Card Care
The Card Care Group illustrates their love and care by sending cards of sympathy, encouragement, thankfulness, celebration, and thinking of you. Their words help to lift the spirits of others.
Stephen Ministry
Part of Congregation care at our church, also includes, our Stephen Ministry. This ministry is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.
The Blessings of Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout the church and community.
· Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful ways.
· Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.
· Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
· People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.
In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church.
Prayer for Healing
Gracious God,
I rest underneath your mighty wings of love.
I dwell within your gentle heart.
I know there is healing in your touch.
I can ask for restoration
And trust in your goodness.
You are my joy,
My healer and my friend.
I dwell within your gentle embrace.
Amen.
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have. - Margaret Mead