Congregational Care

The Congregational Care committees exist to encourage a stronger sense of community among members and to provide support for members in need.

Fellowship
The Fellowship Committee plans the social activities for the Congregation. Most social events are annual events like the Epiphany Service, Annual Business Luncheon, and Anniversary Celebration. Others are dictated by celebrating unusual events that may take place during the year, such as a new welcoming ceremony.

These events and dates are planned by the Congregation Council and the Fellowship Chairperson is notified of the date, time, etc. Members are notified of events via telephone, newsletter, or special mailings.

Most functions are provided for by voluntary contributions from Congregation members. A budget exists and is used for supplements such as gifts, supplies, and flowers.

Neighborhood Groups
All members of the Congregation are divided into geographic "neighborhoods." Neighborhood Captains are chosen by the Neighborhood Chairpersons for each area. Captains contact new members to welcome them into the Congregation. They stay in touch with new members to keep them informed of upcoming events and to facilitate greater participation of new members in the ministries of the Congregation.

Loaves and Fishes
The Loaves and Fishes Committee coordinates gifts of food and visits to members of the Congregation who are ill, have lost a loved one, or are having a family crisis (the Congregation office communicates these needs to the designated committee members).

Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry is an international program that trains Christians of all denominations to be available to church members who are experiencing crisis (care receivers) and who need a supportive listener (caregiver) in a one-on-one Confidential relationship. This work is conducted under the guidance of a Stephen Leader.

Leaders are trained for one week at a Stephen Leadership Conference. They, in turn, members of the Congregation to be Stephen Ministers. This training requires a committment of fifty hours over a three to four month period.