Member Support
Few, if any, of us get through life’s twists and turns without help from others. From time to time we all need a little help and support, whether it’s a meal, special prayer, visit or transportation.
Counseling or Spiritual Guidance
The pastoral staff at First Presbyterian Church is available for short-term counseling and spiritual direction and for referrals and resources for longer-term counseling needs. Please contact a minister directly or their assistant to set up an appointment.
Visitation
The Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life visits members who are ill or homebound. In addition to a pastoral contact, several ministries have been established to assist in meeting the needs of these members and helping them continue to feel connected to their church home. Visits are made by the Deacons, Presbyterian Woman, and other trained volunteers. For further information or if you are aware of any one who is in need of a visit, please contact Katherine W. Cooke, Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life.
Care Teams
A care team consists of six to eight church members who provide assistance to an individual or family needing long-term help with daily living due to a prolonged illness or physical or mental disability. All information about individuals is kept confidential by all members of the care team. If you are in need of a care team, please contact Katherine W. Cooke, Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life.
ChristCare Groups
Christ Care is a small group ministry with four components: Prayer and Worship, Building Community and Care, Biblical Equipping, and Mission Service.To join a group or for more information, CLICK HERE to go to the ChristCare page.
First Helpers
This ministry provides immediate and specific help to families and individuals in an emergency situation. This assistance is provided on a temporary basis by volunteer church members at the request of one of the ministers or the parish nurse. Some services that can be provided are: transportation, meal preparation, child care, housework or help in times of illness, birth of a new baby or a death. To request such help, please contact Katherine W. Cooke, Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life.
First Helpers is looking for opportunities to help. First Presbyterian relies on referrals from ministers and the First Neighbor network, but we do not want any situation known to the congregation to be neglected. If you are aware of a member in need of yard work, house work, child care or meal preparation, First Helpers wants to be of assistance. We are blessed in so many ways, and it is our goal to return our blessings by helping those in need. First Helpers embraces the idea that we as a part of the body of Christ will come together and support each other. If you have the ability to provide hope for someone in crisis this year, will you add your name to the list?
Casserole Ministry
Casseroles are prepared year-round by Presbyterian Women circles and other volunteers and are stored in the freezer at the church. They are distributed to families with new babies and members who need help with meals.
Prayer Chain
The prayer chain is a vital ministry at First Presbyterian Church that seeks to provide care and support to church members going through various difficulties and to rejoice with those who have joys to share.
In order to receive phone messages in the prayer chain ministry, please contact the Assistant to the Associate Ministers. A link to prayer requests is to the left on this page. Participants sign-in with a password.
In order to make a prayer request, please call or email Katherine W. Cooke, Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life or use a pew card and drop it in the offering plate. If you are making a request on behalf of someone else, please ask their permission first.
Support Groups
At First Presbyterian Church we offer several support groups to meet the needs of our church and our community. Support groups provide emotional support by decreasing a person's sense of isolation and can also provide practical advice, since other members of the group have experienced similar challenges. Please contact the Associate Minister for a list of active support groups that may offer you, your family or friends, support and care.
Transportation Ministry
First Presbyterian Church provides transportation from local retirement communities to the 11 a.m. Sunday service. We also provide transportation to various other activities as needed. Please contact Judy Ploch at 704-927-0234 for these services.
College Connection
First Presbyterian Church wants you to stay connected -- even you’re headed off to college. FPC college students receive e-mails to stay in touch throughout the year. They also receive copies of Tradewinds each month, a "good luck with exams" card from the elementary Sunday School students in the fall, occasional e-mails from a minister and an invitation to the Christmas gathering for college students. For information or to be added to the roster, contact Kim Booher at kimbooher@aol.com.
CLICK HERE for college connection form.
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