Congregational Care
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)
The purpose of the Congregational Care Ministries is to provide an organized way of caring for members’ needs by Nurturing the body, mind, and spirit in health and illness; Equipping members to serve each other; Praying for and with each other; and assisting to provide Care and compassion to our NEPC members and their families.
Director of Congregational Care Congregational Care Assistant
Renatta Loquist Wendy Clay
To contact either Renatta or Wendy Click here
CARE-GIVING GROUPS
Care Team Network - This ministry provides individuals or families with a team of volunteers who are dedicated to providing care in an organized way during a crisis situation or long term illness.
DivorceCare – Provides a weekly support group for those experiencing the pain of separation and divorce. Each of the 13-week sessions includes a video-based seminar featuring leading experts, a small group sharing time and a workbook for daily Bible reading between sessions. Meets Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Room A-102.
GriefShare – This ministry is a grief recovery support group for individuals and families experiencing the loss of a loved one. Each of the 13-week sessions includes a video-based seminar followed by small group discussion and a workbook for daily reflection and Bible study. Meets Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Room A-105.
College Ministry - This ministry provides encouragement and prayer support to our college students. Gift boxes are mailed to the students during exam week. Birthday cards and notes of encouragement are sent periodically asking the students to share specific prayer needs for which the team can pray.
Elder and Deacon Shepherding Team – Each Elder and Deacon is entrusted with the care of one or two individuals/families who are seniors or homebound with illness. Twice a year a home visit is made to deliver a gift. Other times during the year the officer contacts the person(s) to detect any needs.
Home Visitation Team – This ministry pairs volunteers who have a heart for seniors and the homebound along with the gifts of encouragement and visitation to minister by visiting these individuals on a regular basis, offering encouragement, and conveying any special needs to staff.
Samaritan Ministries – A team of volunteers who are willing to respond to a need in times of crisis or short-term illness or disability. This ministry targets widows, single moms and the elderly and assists with items such as transportation, shopping, childcare or yard work.
Senior Bus Transportation Ministry – Each Sunday, volunteer bus drivers assist in picking up seniors who live in The Waterford and Wildewood Downs to come to Sunday School and the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH MINISTRIES
Emergency Response Team - Trained rescuers (CPR and Automated External Defibrillator trained) are on-call during all worship services on Sundays to respond to any emergency. Team members carry beepers and are on-call for a specific worship service. Health professionals are designated to assist in this ministry.
Health Education/Health Screening – Health care providers volunteer to provide blood pressure screening during Wednesday evening activities; Flu shots are administered annually; an annual Health Fair is held; health consultations are available by appointment.
Thin Within – A Biblically-based, grace-oriented approach to lasting weight loss. The weekly support group meets on Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:25 p.m. in Room C-301. The sessions include video testimonies, small group discussion, and weekday homework along with prayer.
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday Lunch Bunch - This ministry offers a mid-week opportunity for adult fellowship and hearing of the Word by the sharing of a devotional and special music. The group meets at noon in the Grand Hall; lunch fee is $5.00. Reservations are required. The first Thursday of each month features a “Lunch and Learn” program during which a presentation is made by guest speakers on topics of interest.
Senior Solos - This ministry provides opportunities for fellowship and social activities for single adults over age 55. The group functions as a support system for each other. A luncheon is hosted four times a year in the Grand Hall and provides an opportunity for fellowship during which Biblical truths are presented that are relevant to the members’ life situations.
Traveling Friends - This ministry offers adults an opportunity to travel together on day trips to see points of interest across our state. The “traveling friends” experience fun, fellowship, and learn about the rich beauty and heritage of our state and nearby cities. Trips are planned periodically throughout the year.
PRAYER SUPPORT
Prayer Team Ministry – This ministry bathes the entire Congregational Care Ministry, its programs, volunteers and staff with prayer. Volunteers receive a monthly e-mail with prayer requests summarized by the Prayer Team Coordinator and then pray in their homes as the Holy Spirit leads.
To learn how you can get involved, contact Director of Congregational Care Ministries Renatta Loquist at 788-5298. ext. 158.