At First Presbyterian Church of Maitland, we take to heart our calling to respond to the needs of one another. We offer comfort, spiritual support, a listening ear, and care for one another through the many ministries of our Care Committee, which include:

Touch Ministry

Cancer impacts virtually all of us, either personally or through family and friends.

If you are going through a diagnosis of cancer or know someone who is, please contact Hope Hasenau at 407-767-5438. You’ll receive a bi-weekly card with a scripture verse and words of encouragement. The cards are a tangible reminder that you are not alone; God is with you always, and you are surrounded by prayer.

Calling Team

Weekly calls are made to comfort and support individuals who are home from the hospital or in rehab. The caller expresses concern and prays with the person. Weekly updates are given to the church office for distribution. Contact Brenda Jelks, (407) 834-5732, for more information.

Care Teams

A Care Team provides a way for our congregation to respond to the real-life needs of individuals and families. This team is a group of trained members working together to offer practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those in need. These needs may result from a developmental or physical disability, a prolonged physical or mental illness, limitations brought on by the aging process, or other life challenging situations, or, they may be temporary, due to an accident or episodic illness.

Shepherds

Shepherds provide a ministry of care in times of illness, bereavement, distress or special need. They also provide the opportunity to open a two-way channel of communication with our homebound members. Shepherds are people blessed with sensitivity, compassion, and the ability to be a good listener. No training is necessary. Contact with the homebound members includes phone calls, visits, and occasional outings. This is a very important ministry, and we are always looking for new recruits!

Stephen Ministers

Our Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life. God works through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person whose life seems forlorn because of some crisis or tragedy. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in sound theological principles as well as fundamentals of psychology. As part of an international program, Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who provide confidential care for those in need.

Communion to Homebound

Elders and Shepherds gather quarterly to serve communion to the Homebound. In addition to their visit, they also bring news from the church and a bud vase of fresh flowers.

To learn more about these or other FPCM Care Ministries,

please contact Care Committee Chair Laurie Rodriguez.

CARE-Christmas 2009