One of the greatest challenges for the pastor and staff of a church is providing care and support to individuals and families. The needs are often great in our communities and can be overwhelming. It is crucial to spend time with individuals who have spiritual gifts in caring who can come alongside to share in the pastoral care.

I asked Carol M. Miller who is the Parish Care Coordinator at Noblesville First United Methodist Church if she would share a general list of her responsibilites. 

HOME COMMUNION – Each month we provide homebound persons and those in the hospital or nursing homes with Holy Communion first Sunday of each month).

• Contacting communion stewards two weeks before
• Sending reminder cards and devotional
• Assignments sent
• Preparing elements and bags
• Delivering communion
• Report to pastors

GRIEF SHARE – 13 week sessions, twice a year

• Publicity
• Mailing letters
• Registration
• Staff: Facilitators, Welcome, Snacks, Follow up
• SUPPORT GROUP – meets second Thursday
• SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS – in November

CARING CONNECTION – This is a ministry that shares Christ’s love by providing meals to those who are experiencing a particular hardship. Several groups within this ministry serve as the core team for contact when a person or family has a need. These situations are loosely defined as hospitalization or a long-term illness (usually greater than one week), however, other extenuating circumstances can also apply.

• using the website Take Them a Meal
• Arrangement of food when needed

PRAYER CARDS

• Cards are printed each week on Friday and placed out for signatures
• Monday morning envelopes are addressed and cards mailed

FOLLOW UP CARD MINISTRY

• Cards mailed to those released from hospital or out-patient surgery

FUNERAL DINNERS

PRAYER QUILTS AND PRAYER SHAWLS

• The Prayer Quilts and Shawls are handmade by persons in our congregation and are given to people in need to help them remember they are loved by God. 
• People are needed to deliver the quilts and shawls.

PRAYER CHAIN

HARBOUR MANOR SING-A-LONG

• First Tuesday of each month – 6:15 pm
• No talent needed

FLOWER MINISTRY

• Twice a year – Easter and Christmas
• Flowers taken to homebound members and bereaved families

PHONE CALLS

• Follow up calls
• Shut-ins
• Those in need of a friendly voice

FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

• 10:30 – 11:00 am
• Prepare lesson and interact with residents

SURGERY VISITS

HOSPITAL AND REHAB FACILITY VISITS
The congregation is asked to contact the church whenever a family member is hospitalized or preparing for surgery. Once notified the pastoral care team makes every effort to visit in the hospital and to pray with those who are having surgery. Please note that due to HIPAA rules, hospitals no longer notify the church when members are hospitalized. 

HEALTH CARE FACILITY VISITS
We extend the caring ministry of the church by visiting with members of our congregation via telephone call, in-home visit, nursing home visit, or by writing cards of encouragement.  

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

SUNSHINE FRIENDS

Other care the church provides:

Counseling the church has a licensed marriage and family therapist available for counseling.

Alzheimer's (Memory Care) Support Group meets once a month

Stephen Ministries Lay people providing one-to-one Christian care for hurting people. Confidential, non-judgmental, dependable, listening, compassionate, trustworthy and Christ centered. On-going care, continues as long as needed, often after initial crisis support has ceased.

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In my own church, our care team has been discussing questions like the ones listed below. We've also agreed to take turns leading a study of the books listed under Related Products (see our example schedule).

1. Who in your church has spiritual gifts in caring?
2. What caring needs are present in your faith community?
3. Have you talked with your pastor or a staff member about a brainstorming session on what caring ministries might look like in your church?