First UMC's Healthy Congregation & Care Team seeks to minister holistically -- embracing the

physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and even financial needs of church family members and friends.  

As we seek to fulfill our purpose to Grow in Caring & Love, we have a vibrant caring ministry

that includes many opportunities to support and to assist each other and those in our community.   

First UMC became a "Healthy Congregation" in 2018 making our church

eligible to receive grants from the Health Ministry Fund of Kansas.  

The Healthy Congregation Team then develops endeavors to

strengthen the mental health and well-being of First UMC and the community.   

PRAYER TEAM:  This team includes those that meet weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 PM to pray for our community and congregation. Team members also participate in the Prayer Chain, and promote the Healing Services that take place the third Monday of the month at 6:30 PM at our Outreach Center (Meditation Room).  The office staff pray weekly for church members.  An email Prayer Chain is available for those who want to participate in the prayer ministry of the church.  An on-line prayer group is also available — find it on Facebook (and/or request information):  Prayers of the Heart (First UMC)

VISITATION TEAM:  This team includes a number of important services: we provide home-bound church members including Home Communion, weekly bulletin delivery, and regular visits and calls. Another key service of this group is Meals of Care, which provide meals to families in their homes following hospitalization and those in crisis situations. Trained Stephen Ministers also provide assistance with communion and care visits. 

GRIEF RESPONSE TEAM: Caring for those during time of grief is the key mission of this group by offering the book, Healing After Loss, sending cards and doing follow-up calls and/or visits. Grief Share and Grief Share Loss of Spouse Classes are offered regularly, and we are working on support groups for those who have experienced divorce and job loss.

TRANSPORTATION TEAM:  This team provides transportation to church-related services and activities as well as to medical appointments.  Volunteers always needed! 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS TEAM:  Providing care for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of our congregation is the focus of this team.  This team also coordinates regular blood pressure checks on the weekend of the second Sunday, and they will be planning additional health events throughout the year.   Currently, we are seeking interest in participating in exercise classes and/or walking plans at both of our facilities.  Watch for Healthy Congregations Events!

TRAINING MODULES:   If you wish to participate on our Care Team, training opportunities will be available to existing team members and required for all new care team members.   Sign-up with Martha Davidson and/or Rev. Cindi.

  CARE 101 for All Teams

(praying, listening and speaking in caring ways)

 CARE 202 for Visitation & Grief Response Teams 

(caring for the sick & home-bound, using scripture in care situations)

 CARE 303 for Grief Response Team

(caring for those who are bereaved and for those experiencing loss through job and/or divorce)

SPECIALIZED CARE TEAMS: the following ministries demonstrate care to our church members and community in special ways. 

Prayer Shawl Ministry – prayer shawls for those in need

Deb Meek, 402-563-2336

 Quilters – items made to be given away

Rama Badje, 402-564-8863

 XYZ Group – members age 90+ (eXtra Years of Zest)

Donna Klopnieski, 402-910-0786

 Hearts for Mission – sewing group

Donna Pearson, 402-564-2559

 Helping Hands – minor home repairs, fix-ups

Doug Kallesen, 402-563-1570

If you would like more information about how to participate in the

Care Team of First United Methodist Church, please contact:

Rev. Cindi Stewart, Senior Pastor (402-564-8463); 

Martha Davidson, Parish Nurse (402-910-8580) 

and/or Alice Plettner, Parish Nurse (402-649-2455).