Congregational Care
As Christians, we called to a ministry of compassion “to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.” (Isaiah 61:1-2) By walking along side of people through the changes and difficulties of life, we become a tangible means of God’s presence, love, and grace. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “ We can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” (2 Cor.1:3-5)
Our Congregational Care Committee ministers through prayers and presence to those who need care. We distribute a weekly prayer list to our Staff, Elders, and Stephen Ministers. We have a weekly prayer time in the chapel to pray by name for those on our prayer list as well as for our church as a whole. We offer a Church Friend program which pairs members with some of our less mobile members who welcome regular, home visits. We take communion by request to any member unable to attend the Sunday church service. After Sunday’s service, flowers are distributed through a team of volunteers to members who are hospitalized or who live in extended care facilities. A Funeral Guild is active in providing comfort for families in grief. We encourage physical, not just spiritual, health and care through activities in our SPOT ministries such as yoga, running and walking groups, cooking classes, and kick-ball team participation.
Throughout the year, support groups are offered, cards are sent, emails, calls, and visits are made, meals and flowers are delivered, so that members of this church family know of the love of this church and of God present in their lives.
Occasionally we struggle with difficult situations in our lives. When that happens, there are two supporting groups that can provide help and comfort. One is Stephen Ministry, a dedicated group of trained church members offering one-to-one Christian care to other church members undergoing transitions in their lives. The other is the Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center, supported by Second Pres, which provides professional Christian counseling to those in need.
If you are in need of care and would like to be added to our prayer list, contact our pastors or church office at (502) 895-3483.
If you are interested in serving in this area of ministry, contact Pastor Susan so that you may become involved in this vital part of our church’s life and service.