The Ministries of Congregational Care at Central UMC aim to nurture our members and others in need of care in our area. The precedent for care comes from Jesus who spent much of his ministry healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and turning the world upside down with the depths of God’s mercy. Jesus says “blessed are those who are merciful… blessed are those who mourn… blessed are those who are poor in spirit…”. These are the people who will receive mercy, be comforted, and who will receive the kingdom of God. We believe that by caring for others we encounter the living God in ways that reach far beyond our imagination or expectations. To care for the friend or stranger in our midst is to care for Jesus Christ himself. Our care for folks is universal and holistic.
Congregational Care Council
Our Mission:
We are a Body of Christ in love and support for all persons in our congregation.
Our Core Values:
Intentional, Compassionate, Insightful, Respectful, Connective, Dedicated, Unconditional
Our Purpose/Vision:
Together we wrap our arms around someone in need by connecting them to our supportive ministries until they are stable.
We will be glad to give you more detailed information regarding our ministries.
Cindy Oak, Chairperson
Lisa Rettew, Minister of Congregational Care
Want to join a Care Ministry as a Volunteer?
See LIST of CONTACTS below:
Bereavement Ministry – Mary Margaret Ingle, marymargaretingle@gmail.com
Child and Family Care Ministry – Cameron Smith, clg7498@gmail.com
Circle of Prayer Ministry – Sharon LeDuc, skleduc@prodigy.net
Homebound Ministry – Kim Everette, kimeverette525@gmail.com
Prayer Shawl Ministry – Pat Page, page.patricia@gmail.com and Paula Boyles, boylesrp@bellsouth.net
Stephen Ministry – Cindy Oak, swoclo@charter.net
Other pertinent Contact Information:
Church Office Phone: 828-253-3316
Pastor Lisa Rettew, Minister of Congregational Care – lrettew@centralumc.org
Ann Owens, Director of Children and Families– ext. 1308 or aowens@centralumc.org
Caroline Camp, Director of Youth Ministries – ext. 1305 or ccamp@centralumc.org
Child & Family Care Ministry
Provides a caring umbrella of love for families with teens and children experiencing a crisis or difficult life challenge. If your family is in need of support or you know of a family in our church for whom we can provide appropriate support, please contact Cameron Smith.
Circle of Prayer Ministry
Let us pray for you and for those you are concerned about. Please make your prayer request online at the CUMC website using the prayer request prompt or by filling out a prayer request form found in the Sanctuary pew pockets. Pastor Lisa Rettew places these requests on the prayer list for our Prayer Team and Pastors to pray over when they meet weekly. Prayer requests can remain confidential.
Homebound Ministry
Whether you are at home but not able to get out and about or in a Care Facility, we want to visit with you on a regular basis! You or a family member can contact Pastor Lisa Rettew at the church office to make these arrangements.
We want to keep you connected to the worship life of Central United Methodist Church! Bulletins are sent each week to those individuals who are unable to attend worship. Usually those arrive in the mail Saturday, and if you are able to watch online, you can participate. If you would like to receive a bulletin in the mail or by email, please contact Jan Griffin (828) 253-3316, ext. 310.
Pastoral Care Ministry
Our pastoral care begins with prayer. Visits and phone calls for those facing surgery, in the hospital, or homebound can occur once pastors are notified. We can share the gift of Holy Communion as well.
We minister with grieving families, providing help and guidance with funeral planning. All pastoral support is confidential.
For more information, please click here.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is part of an international movement that provides the message of God’s love and grace through Prayer Shawls, to recipients in need of comfort and support.
Homemade shawls are given to those going through a difficult time in their life such as illness, treatment, or death of a family member or friend. The shawl is a tangible symbol of God’s love and comfort, a reminder that many prayers are being said for that person. Blankets are also made for new babies in our church. If you know of a person in need of a shawl or baby blanket, please contact Pastor Lisa Rettew or Anne Pat Page and Paula Boyles.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets once a month at our church to pray and to knit for those who have a need from our ministry.
If you would like to join this ministry, but don’t know how to knit or crochet, our group will gladly help you get started!
If you would like to donate a handmade shawl or gift card to purchase yarn, please contact Pat Page and Paula Boyles .
“For you formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139:13
Stephen Ministry
A lay ministry that provides a trained Stephen Minister for one-on-one support for those going through a difficult time. Relationships are confidential and nonjudgemental. If you would like to have a Stephen Minister or would like to refer someone for a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Lisa Rettew. For more information, click here.
