Congregational Care

Care Group Ministry

WesleyCare is designed to help everyone who becomes part of our worshiping community feel valued, cared for and connected.  It does this by assuring that every person has a regular, continuing and caring contact from the church family.  This is the role of a Care Group Leader.  Fellowship may be a part of WesleyCare, but the primary purpose is to focus on care and connection.

WesleyCare is an organized system that works hand-in-hand with pastoral care.  Too often caring for the congregation is seen as the pastor's job.  However, as a caring church, this ministry reaches out to everyone associated with our church and supplements the pastors' care giving by providing a good system of referrals.

Many in our congregation have a connection through their involvement in education, music, study or other group.  But, there are others who are not part of a small group.  Our goal is to assure that anyone who comes into our church has reason to stay because a Care Group Leader intentionally helped them find places in the church where they could use their talents and gifts.

All members of Wesley, as well as guests who worship frequently with us, are assigned to a Care Group by the WesleyCare ministry team and subsequently, receive contact from the designated Leader of that Care Group.  If you, or someone you know, cannot identify who your Leader is, please Contact the Office or WesleyCare Director, Bill Smith.

If you are interested in serving in this ministry as a Care Group Leader, please Contact the Office or Bill Smith for more information.

Stephen Ministry

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and pray with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Stephen Ministers are caring Christians following the example of Stephen through a ministry in which one person reaches out to another in a time of need, sharing joys, periods of transition, crisis and burdens. The Stephen Ministers have received 50 hours of training in how to provide care that is not only encouraging, but helpful and inspiring.  They can also provide you with resources and referrals.

A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside a hurting person as a caring Christian friend who really listens and focuses on you.  A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem solver or a casual visitor.

HOW DOES THE REFERRAL PROCESS WORK?

A person - either you, a relative or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian care. The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care from the pastor or a friend, always with the person's permission. The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry. With the person's permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person, keeping all matters confidential.

Tom Schweitzer is the Referrals Coordinator.  You can  Contact the Office and leave a message for him.

Bear one another's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2