The church reaches out to its members and friends in many ways. There are numerous opportunities to show that you care.
Deacons
The deacons’ mission is to accompany all people on their journey of life and faith, in their joys and in their woundedness. It is their mission to nurture the spiritual life of this community by creating a culture of care. Deacons will do so as disciples, by striving to spread the radical love, healing, and wholeness of God through work and actions.
As the “spiritual caregivers” of our church family, in addition to tasks shared by all deacons, each deacon is charged with the care of a particular group of members called a “care group.” Every member of the church is assigned to one of the deacon care groups and can expect to receive communication from their deacon throughout the program year, but particularly in known times of joy and difficulty in individual lives. Here are other ways to connect with deacons and as a community: Visit with deacons in the “virtual” Chapel after Sunday worship for prayer and anointing, and please be in touch with your deacon when you are in need of prayer or support. You can join them in the virtual chapel via Zoom, 10 minutes after worship at this link. For the month of September, deacons are offering a prayer circle at 7 p.m. each Wednesday, via Zoom at this link.
Need help finding out who your deacon is? Contact Amanda Swanson (aswanson@firstunitedoakpark.com).
Meet the deacons!
Also on the Board of Deacons: Rob Auch, Beth Dickerson, Karla Hayter, and Anne Koerber.
Other care opportunities
Here are just a few ways to get involved. Contact the lay leader listed for an activity you might be interested in. For additional information, contact Alicia Reese, Pastoral Associate of Youth Ministry and Congregational Care (areese@firstunitedoakpark.com).
PAL note writers: P.A.L. stands for People Are Loving. PAL note writers sign up for one month a year to send handwritten notes to members and others experiencing joys and concerns. Each week for the month they are signed up for, they receive a list of folks from church staff who could use a note, either to celebrate with them or let them know they are being held in prayer. Contact Chris Davis.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: The Shawl Ministry creates shawls and garments for First United members, wrapping them in loving comfort during times of need (illness, bereavement, etc.) During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group is meeting at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month via Zoom, but attendance is not required to be a member — the willingness to commit time and talent to handcrafts is more important. Contact Alicia Reese (areese@firstunitedoakpark.com).
Caring Callers: During this COVID-19 pandemic, visits to homes and care facilities aren’t possible. So this group was created to connect with church members and friends by phone, particularly those in our church family who may live alone, are not active on social media, or don’t use computers. Contact Alicia Reese (areese@firstunitedoakpark.com).
Volunteer helpers: This is another care ministry that was created due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to those who might be in need of assistance. The helpers were instrumental in delivering homemade face masks from mask makers to those in need of a face covering. They also answered the call to run errands for members who were unable or felt the risk was too great to leave their home for needed items. Having folks ready and willing to help is greatly appreciated in these uncertain times — who knows what kind and caring task they will take on next! Contact Alicia Reese (areese@firstunitedoakpark.com).
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following care ministries are inactive but will resume when it is safe to do so.
Flower delivery: Assist in the delivery of flowers used in our sanctuary on certain Sunday mornings to be given to members and their families who are experiencing joys or concerns. Contact Amanda Swanson (aswanson@firstunitedoakpark.com).
Visitation team: Would you like to support the members of our congregation who cannot easily leave their homes to get to church on Sundays? Join this dedicated group of Christians who visit our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when they are not able to join us regularly for worship. Contact the church office if you’re interested.
