One of the earliest acts of the fledging Church in the first century was to establish ways to take care of its members in need.  Every good congregation throughout history has taken this as one of its priorities.  At First Presbyterian Church, we support one another in a number of ways.

Prayer
Prayer is one of the most essential ways we can support one another.  Pastoral prayers are offered at both our worship services, and at our 8:45 service, there is an open time for sharing of joys and needs before prayer.  The church staff has an extended prayer time during its weekly meeting, to offer up needs and concerns of members and friends.  A group of members meets each Tuesday morning to offer prayers on behalf of others.  During our time of transition between installed pastors, members have been invited to participate in periods of voluntary fasting and prayer.

Visitation & Pastoral Care
Our members develop networks of friendship and support, and often care for one another.  Some undertake the special ministry of visiting those who are home bound, or who have other special needs.   
Our church staff provide support and prayer for those in our congregation experiencing crisis, or who have on-going health or family concerns.  In particular, our pastors are often present with those who are suffering serious illness or experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another by providing distinctively Christian care to those experiencing a crisis in life. A Stephen Minister’s goal is to meet weekly with a care receiver to listen and understand with a non-judgmental heart, thus giving the hurting person an open, yet confidential, environment in which to examine and wrestle with a crisis. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in skills such as: confidentiality, objective listening, understanding feelings, honest communication, crisis theory and intervention, as well as how to encourage steps of growth and change. Those needing care can contact a pastor or a Stephen Leader.

Congregational Care Corner
Seniors (and others), did you know that your fellow church members want to help you? We have volunteers ready to assist you with various needs.

Cook's Corner
Sometimes a tasty, nutritious meal in a time of need is a practical way to say, "We love you."  Our "Cook's Corner" volunteers often provide meals to members recovering from surgery or illness, and to those who've recently experienced a death in the family.

Transportation & Small Home Repairs
Members who can no longer drive may request assistance with essential transportation, such as to doctor's or dentist's appointments, to get medicine, or to buy groceries.  Members may also request assistance with small home repairs when they are no longer able to do these repairs themselves.

5 B's Lunch Bunch
Many older adults from our congregation gather in our fellowship hall for a free lunch the third Thursday of each month, September through May.  They enjoy fellowship and a brief program of interest.  

Financial Assistance
Our congregation is sometimes able to provide limited financial assistance to members of our church who are experiencing financial need.

Messages of Encouragement
Some members of our congregation give as their special ministry the sending of cards and notes of encouragement to those in need.

Transportation
John Stauffer, 626-4393

Minor Repairs
Ken McFadden, 629-2401

Homebound Communion
Pat Cooper, 963-9145

Stephen Ministry
Sue McCullah, 653-6752
Linda Thomas, 625-8527