Offering care to members and friends of our congregation is a team effort.

All Christians are called to share in caring ministries both within the congregation and in the larger community.  Although pastors and congregational leaders have specific responsibilities for congregational care, we work together as a team.

If you want to explore participating in the caring ministries of this congregation, or if you have a pastoral need that is not addressed in this site, please contact the church office at 794-2734.

When there is any emergency…

We offer pastoral care whenever needed.  Call the church office during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) and tell the receptionist if your message is urgent. Leave voice-mails only for non-urgent concerns. If you cannot reach a pastor through the church office, please contact one at home.

When there is an illness…

In addition to the care our members provide each other, our pastors want to be present as needed when there is a serious illness.  Please notify the church office or one of the pastors when there is an illness that requires our response.  (Hospitals do not inform us when someone is admitted.) 

When there is a death…

Family members should call the church immediately when a death occurs.  If the church office is closed, call one of the pastors immediately.  Pastors will quickly visit the hospital, home or funeral home as needed, offer pastoral support, and work with the family to plan for an appropriate service of worship.

When you have a prayer request…

Prayer requests can be made through the Mission Menu in Sunday worship. Except for those marked “pastors only,” these concerns are offered up in prayer at the church’s weekly staff meeting and also relayed to our prayer chain, a group of church members committed to a ministry of intercessory prayer.  You also may activate the prayer chain by calling Carmen Greenwald at 794-2734.

When someone is homebound or in a nursing home or other care facility…

Rev. John Williams visits persons who are elderly, homebound, or in a care facility and may need special pastoral care. In addition, lay volunteers visit the homebound and those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  Volunteers deliver flowers from the altar weekly to express our love to those who cannot attend worship in our sanctuary. 

While our pastors are available to visit homebound persons and nursing home residents, we may suggest those who can benefit from more frequent contacts be assigned to one of our Stephen Ministers. 

Holy Communion will be brought to those unable to receive the sacrament in the congregation.

When someone needs counseling, spiritual guidance, or a listening ear…

Our pastors are happy to meet with anyone  needing counsel, spiritual guidance, or support in times of trouble.  Those requiring ongoing counseling may be referred to qualified professionals.  For some needs, we may suggest meeting with a Stephen Minister.

When a child has special needs…

Our special needs committee helps our church welcome all children into the life of the congregation. We provide special friends as needed to help a child attend Sunday School. A support group is available for caregivers of those with special needs.  Contact Becky Peeler bpeeler@franklinfumc.org .

About Stephen Ministry…

First UMC provides trained lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, to offer Christian caring and support on a one-on-one basis. All Stephen Ministry referrals, assignments, and conversations are strictly confidential. Stephen Ministers typically meet with a care-receiver weekly.  This ministry is especially helpful in the weeks following a crisis like death, divorce, injury, or life transition. Contact the Stephen Ministry referrals coordinator or one of the pastors if you or someone you know might benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister.

About Small Group Caring…

A great deal of care for members of our congregation is expressed informally through small groups: Sunday school classes, Bible studies, youth groups, covenant groups, choirs, etc.  These groups offer support, prayers, and care to their members in times of difficulty.  We encourage each of you to become part of one or more of these caring groups.

When practical help is needed…

Willing Hands Ministers can be contacted to offer short-term assistance such as meals where there is an illness or transportation for the elderly. Contact the Church Office, 794-2734.

If you need a ride to church…

Our transportation ministry makes regular trips to several retirement facilities on Sunday mornings and for some special services.  Worshippers also can be picked up at their homes.  Call the church office by noon on Friday to request a ride, 794-2734.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”    - -  John 15:12