Parish Caring Ministries
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2
Parish Caring Ministries (PCM) began its work in the fall of 1998. Our vision has been to create an intentional caring connection among all First Church members, especially those that are homebound, in nursing facilities, hospitalized or going through a difficult time. Our mission is to do Christ’s work as we reach out to one another in love.
Parish Visitors
The Visitors make personal visits or calls to parishioners who are homebound or in nursing facilities. Many Visitors have received special training through the Pastoral Care Training Program of Hartford Hospital. They meet every other month for support, fellowship and further training.
Co-Chairs: Heidi Kelsey/Dorothy Merz
Parish Prayer Team
Upon receiving a request for prayers, members of the prayer teams offer prayers in the privacy of their own homes.
Chair: April Michaud
Knitting Ministry
This group gathers monthly to knit prayer shawls for members or friends of the congregation who are ill, grieving, lonely or in need of a spiritual lift. We literally wrap people in love and prayer.
Co-Chairs: Beth Horlitz/Susan Huleatt
Flower Committee
This ministry arranges for Sunday flowers and their distribution to shut-ins. They also coordinate hospitalization deliveries and the Easter and Christmas displays.
Chair: Dottie McAllister
Care Note Writing
The members of this ministry write notes of support and condolence to First Church members who are ill, bereaved, convalescing after a hospitalization, or experiencing other difficulties in their personal life.
Chair: Dottie McAllister
Meals and Transportation
This committee provides meals to members who are sick, home from the hospital, or recently bereaved. It also furnishes rides to and from church and for medical appointments.
Chair: Linda Carillo
Helping Hearts
This is a ministry which engages the young people in our Sunday School classes. Members of participating classes make cards for ill, hospitalized or lonely members of First Church.
Chair: Ruth Budlong
80+ Birthday Club
Birthday cards are sent to members who have reached or surpassed their 80th birthday.
Chair: Ruth Budlong
Friendship Team
Friendship Team members call to welcome visitors who have signed the Friendship Pad during Sunday Morning worship.
Chair: April Michaud
Parish Caring Ministries Sunday
First Church is deeply grateful to the scores of compassionate volunteers who make up Parish Caring Ministries. Each fall, we thank them formally during a Sunday service especially dedicated to the Parish Caring Ministries.
Opportunities for Service to Parish Caring Ministries
Parish Caring Ministries offers unique opportunities to serve First Church. If you are interested in serving others, there is a special place for you.
Do you enjoy visiting the elderly, sick or lonely?
Can you make a meal or drive someone to church?
Can you take a few moments to send a note of caring to someone in need?
Would you like to call Sunday visitors to First Church with words of welcome?
Are you able to take a few moments each week to pray in your home for parishioners in need?
Are you gifted at flower arranging?
Would you like to knit a prayer shawl?
PCM has set up its ministries so that, even in the midst of our busy lives, we can each take a small, manageable piece and make a very meaningful contribution to the physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of our sisters and brothers in Christ. Will you join us? For further information, please feel free to call the church office at (860) 688-7229 or email us at officemary@fcwucc.org.
Caring Council
The Caring Council is the governing board of Parish Caring Ministries.
April Michaud
aprilmichaudct@comcast.net
860-298-0193
Parish Caring Ministries
Coordinator
Friendship Team
Prayer Team
Heidi Kelsey/Dorothy Merz
860-688-1190/860-627-0272
Parish Visitors
Beth Horlitz/Susan Huleatt
860-688-8284/860-683-1089
Knitting Ministry
Dottie McAllister
860-688-5555
Note Writing
Flower Committee
Linda Carillo
860-683-2335
Meals and Transportation
Ruth Budlong
860-683-2920
Helping Hearts
80+ Birthday Club