iCare Community of Faith

iCare Ministry was created by the Staff Parish Committee in 2015 when they merged Stephen Ministry, Senior Ministry Council, and Parish Visitor programs. iCare works within the framework of the ministry of Jesus Christ to provide confidential care to those facing life’s spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges. By providing church and community resources, the lay-led care teams respond to the everyday needs of congregants through support by pastors and professional staff. Contact our Senior Pastor.

Federal privacy laws make it difficult for pastors to stay in touch with congregants who are hospitalized and then are discharged into skilled nursing or rehab care. These laws prevent discharge destinations from being disclosed, so even when pastors want to be available, they may not be able to find congregants. Please notify the church office when you are in a hospital and planning to transition to lower levels of care so we can stay in touch with you.

The iCare Partners form a team and provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to families with healthcare concerns. Partners are members of the congregation who volunteer to provide contact with a family in crisis at the request of that person or upon a pastor’s recommendation.

A care team is a group of volunteer laypeople providing help to a person or family requesting support, i.e., “care receivers”. They can be referred from the FUMC Caring Corner list, from requests made through the church office, referrals from pastors, or emails from community members.

As a team, they commit their time and talent to meet with the care receiver, determine the kind of care that is needed and how to bring in the resources of other church members, whether it is making and delivering meals, providing rides, visits, sending cards, delivering prayer shawls or bringing in Holy Communion.

The duties of a care team are determined by the kinds of help the care receiver needs and is willing to accept as well as what the individual care team member is able to do.

The Caring Corner is a space where your prayer requests are shared with the congregation. To be added, please contact the church office or write your request on a prayer card during Sunday service and place it in the offering plate.

An iCare Ministry extends connection with the congregation and informs pastors of members who are in need of personal contact. Good things come both for the care partners and the care receivers, some are:

Helps the congregation feel better cared for and connected with others.

iCare partners share the care and get to know congregants and team members on a deeper level.

We often receive ‘thank you’ cards from people who are touched by care provided.