Called to Care at South Freeport Congregational Church
...listening ears, caring hearts, and prayerful spirits.
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I love you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples -- when they see the love you have for each other." John 13: 34, 35
Called-to-Care is a program designed by the United Church of Christ’s Office for Church Life and Leadership. The purpose of the program is to enhance the skills for and ministries of caregiving by laypersons. Working in conjunction with the Pastor and Program Coordinator, a weekly caregiver contacts people in the church community who are in need of comfort, encouragement or connection.
The goal of our Called-to-Care Ministry, begun in the spring of 1993, was to gather a group of caring individuals who could be involved in a ministry of love and encouragement. Since then, a very committed team of people has formed a strong foundation for this vital program within the SFCC community. As a result, many lives have been blessed and the life and ministry of SFCC enriched.
The goal of our Called-to-Care Ministry, begun in the spring of 1993, was to gather a group of caring individuals who could be involved in a ministry of love and encouragement. Since then, a very committed team of people has formed a strong foundation for this vital program within the SFCC community. As a result, many lives have been blessed and the life and ministry of SFCC enriched.
"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
There are many ways that a person can participate in the Called-to-Care Ministry. Some choose one particular aspect, while others like to be involved in many or all areas, depending on their interests and schedules. Whatever part of the program a person chooses, they are making an important difference in the lives of others.
If you have a particular interest in any aspect of the Ministry and would like to commit yourself to the Called-to-Care program, please contact the Church Office at 865-4012 or [email protected].
- Caregiving -- having a one-on-one relationship over a period of time with someone who has been or is in a time of crisis or special need.
- Care Notes -- writing notes to keep in touch with individuals who are in need of a word or encouragement, works of congratulations or thanks.
- Care Calls -- making weekly phone calls and emails to keep someone in touch with a friendly voice.
- Care Gifts -- delivering a timely gift, bouquet of garden flowers, or a home made meal.
- Care Visits -- spending time with people in a nursing home, hospital, or at home.
- Care Rides -- picking someone up and bringing them to Church, or running an errand.
If you have a particular interest in any aspect of the Ministry and would like to commit yourself to the Called-to-Care program, please contact the Church Office at 865-4012 or [email protected].
"O Christ, Make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me show love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is conflict, bring union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are forgiven; and it is in dying to sin that we are born to eternal life. Amen." -- St. Francis of Assisi