Caring for Others

Our caring ministries are in need of people who are gifted at providing words of comfort, consolation, and encouragement to others going through a difficult time. There are places to serve where you can help bring wholeness—physical, emotional, and/or spiritual—to others. If God has given you the ability to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need, and then act to meet that need, then we have a special place for you serving in our caring ministries. We have opportunities in the following areas: Hospitality/Welcoming Ministries, and in our Caring/Prayer Ministries.

Hospitality/Welcoming Ministries

Greeter
Welcome and assist those attending worship, both guests and members. Time commitment is low and schedule is flexible. To join the greeter team, stop by the gazebo on Sunday mornings and fill out a registration form where you specify when and how often you want to serve. Or contact our Greeter Coordinator, Amy Johnson at amy_hj@sbcglobal.net or 670-9409.

Usher 
Welcome worshippers, assist them in finding seats, collect the offering, and direct the congregation members to the communion stations. To join the usher team, contact Jim Floyd at 244-7725 or jkfloyd@austin.rr.com.

Information Center Staff
Welcome guests, help guests and members get answers to their questions via the brochures provided. Help people find the registration forms needed to sign up for classes and answer general questions about the church. Training is provided and you can select which Sundays and which time slots you want to work. Contact the church office at 255-3336.

Connections Team Members Needed
A team is needed that will help members and regular visitors make a meaningful connection at First Church. Team members are needed who could assist in the Connections Classes with interviews, analyzing inventories, and following up with people to insure they have found a meaningful connection. Contact the church office at 255-3336 for more information.

Care Ministries

Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who: express God's care through their lives to others; . receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;. are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;. visit another person regularly and dependably offer Christian support and care; participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen leaders; are commited to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship; serve for at least two years; receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service. Contact Robin Alkek at 310-2787 or stephenministry@fumc-rr.org for more information.

Hospital or Shut-in Visitation Team member 
Join the pastors in regularly checking up on folks during the time they are ill. Team members participate in a short training period for the sorts of encounters they may expect; and are alert to referring the ministers to those who need their attention. Contact Dr. John Clifford at 255-3336.

Prayer Team
Gather weekly to pray for the church, those listed on the prayer concerns list, etc. This is a newly forming ministry. Contact Dr. John Clifford at 255-3336.