Blessing Service for the Caring Ministry
by Jo Ellen Axthelm
On April 10th, we had a Blessing Service during Sunday morning worship to commemorate a new group of ministries at Seward United Methodist Church, the Caring Ministries. The planning for these new ministries was started in the Fall of 2015 by some retired professionals who want to continue using their gifts to support the church family and friends. They have been actively working towards organizing a coordinated Caring Ministry and are ready to start providing faith-based caring services for not only our church family but the community as well. As this new Caring Ministry steps out in faith they ask for blessings and support from our church family.
What is the Caring Ministry?
The Caring Ministry is a coordinated approach to caring for those who, because of illness, disability or declining health, have become isolated from their church family and/or the community. This need for special care may be for a relatively short time or an extended season. Like a three leaf clover, the Caring Ministry has three separate parts that work together to heal mind, body and spirit, returning the individual to wholeness.
Contact the Caring Ministry
Caring for the Mind
The Card Ministry is the outreach of the Caring Ministry sent through the mail. This ministry delivers food for thought via cards, pictures, and other publications providing a connection to those experiencing isolation and who need encouragement. The Card Ministry also sends correspondence acknowledging accomplishments and significant events in the lives of our church family.
Caring for the Body
The Faith Community Nursing Ministry is the “heart” of the Caring Ministries. Licensed medical professionals, both practicing and retired, will provide several home health services including:
- health education
- routine health screening
- medical referrals
- support upon returning home from care facilities
The Faith Community Nursing Ministry’s goal is to support the improvement and/or restoration of physical health to those in need.
Caring for the Soul
The Visitation Ministry is a team of people who call on those who need the church to go to them due to illness, disability or limited mobility. This caring team lovingly brings Christian fellowship as they visit and care for those in our community of faith.
How to reach out to the Caring Ministries
How do I request an appointment from the Nursing Team?
Please contact the Caring Ministry and select “Schedule a Nursing Visit” on the form or email Jo Ellen to make arrangements with the Faith Community Nursing Ministry. Please leave your name and the best way to reach you in a timely fashion. Your request will be given to the nursing team, they will contact you directly.
How do I request an appointment from the Visitation Team?
Please contact the Caring Ministry and select “Schedule a Visitation” on the form or email Jo Ellen to arrange a single visit or to be added to the list of those in need of regular visitation. The Pastor or the Ministry Assistant, will share this information with the Visitation Ministry leaders or make visits themselves depending on the need.
**If you know of a person in our church family who might like a visit, make a request with as much information as you can and the Visitation Ministry will provide follow-up.
How do I sign up for the Card Ministry?
Please contact the Caring Ministry and select “Sign-up for the Card Ministry” on the form or email Jo Ellen if you know of someone who would benefit from regular/periodic correspondence via cards, etc. The information will be shared with the Card Ministry Team.
The team also sends a variety of correspondence for people of all ages. These include special occasions, activities, ministries, as well as for persons who are ill, disabled or are confined due to reduced mobility. Let us know who we can serve as no need/occasion is too small!
Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact the Caring Ministry and select “I Need More Information” on the form.
You can always contact Jo Ellen, Ministry Assistant, if you know someone in the church family or community that would like a visit from the Faith Community Nursing Team, the Visitation Team, or would like to receive mail from the Card Ministry.
How can I contact someone?
You may use any of the links on this page to contact the Caring Ministry or email Jo Ellen. You may also contact the church office by email or by phone at (402) 643-4156 during business hours.
How Can I Serve the Caring Ministry
I AM a medical professional, how can I help?
If you are a medical professional and want to assist in the Faith Community Nursing Ministry, Contact the Caring Ministry via the form and select the “I Want to Help” option. Alternatively, you can contact Jo Ellen, Susan Walsh or Beth Hentzen directly.
I am NOT a medical professional, how can I help?
If you are not a medical professional, you can still serve on the Visitation Ministry Team or volunteer to help the Card Ministry send correspondence. Contact the Caring Ministry via the form and select the “I Want to Help” option. Alternatively, you can contact Jo Ellen and discuss which area you feel would be the best fit. A meeting with Bruce Dickinson, Cindy Butzke or Sandi Rocker can then be scheduled.
Caring Ministries is looking for people to serve as they have been called by God. Contact Jo Ellen for more information. We look forward to adding your gifts to the Caring Ministries!
Seward UMC 