Central's Parish Nurse is here to assist each of you to feel whole, healthy, respected and knowledgeable as you manage any issues that impact your health or the health of your loved ones.

Together with the Pastors, Stephen Ministers, the Parish Visitors and Transportation Team volunteers we strive to provide the congregation with grief support, transportation to medical appointments, the take them a meal program and hospital visits throughout the week.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer for this important caring ministry, please contact Beth Whiting, Parish Nurse at 231.946.5191 ext. 233.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is our congregation's one-to-one care giving ministry. Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are:

• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
• Lonely or discouraged
• Coping with a family member with a terminal illness
  Unemployed or in a job crisis
• Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
• Moving or relocating
• New to the congregation or the community
• Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child
• Homebound or institutionalized
• Transitioning into retirement
• Dealing with the crisis of aging
• Facing a life transition
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Victims of a disaster or accident
• People facing countless other crises or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend

God works through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person whose life seems barren and forlorn because of some crisis or tragedy. For more information contact Arlene Morton or Ruth Jones.

Visitors in the Parish

The Visitors in the Parish Team (VIPS's) seeks to maintain personal contact with those congregants unable to attend regularly. Some live at home while others are in assisted facilities. Forty-three persons affiliated with the congregation are currently being visited quarterly by twelve volunteers. The visitors provide comfort and encouragement while listening to personal concerns. Pastors are kept abreast of spiritual and physical needs of these congregants. Current copies of the Upper Room available in regular or large print are furnished to each one. The second Sunday of December each shut in receives a red poinsettia for Christmas delivered by members of the congregation. In addition, Communion Service is available. This ministry provides encouragement and hope through personal contact. Pastoral visitation is available upon request. For Pastoral visitation call the church office, 946-5191.