CARING MINISTRIES
At Naples UCC, we are a community of believers with a passion for helping others. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our members and the broader community, and we welcome you to join us in this mission.
Our Care Ministries
Experience a community that inspires and brings people together.
Stephen Ministers, all of whom have completed 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving skills, provide one-on-one care to people who are going through a difficult period in their lives. Stephen Ministers are available after each worship service in the parlor for private conversation. Some are assigned weekday visits to those who are hospitalized or in rehabilitation, and others are assigned to individual care receivers. Stephen Ministry springs from the belief that if people can talk through their fears, grief, anger, or concerns with someone who can listen well, they will find God’s healing in their lives. Contact the church office for more information. For the national website, go to www.stephenministries.org
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To become a Stephen Minister, New Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised by five trained Stephen Leaders. To learn more about the training schedule, speak with any of our Stephen Ministers or reach out to the church office at (239) 261-5469.
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What is a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to provide confidential, one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, loss of a pet, stressful situations, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Do I need a Stephen Minister?
Are you hurting or struggling? All of us endure challenges in daily life. It’s natural to need extra support at various times. Sometimes it might feel right to talk with someone outside of your family and friends’ support network. We believe that if people can talk through their fears, grief, anger, or concerns with someone who can listen well, they will find God’s healing in their lives. Naples UCC Stephen Ministers can expand, deepen and increase the capacity of caring that you need. Let us walk beside you during this trying time.
How can I connect with a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are available after each worship service in the parlor for private conversation. If you feel you need more time with a Stephen Minister that kind of relationship can be arranged. We also can arrange for weekday visits to those who are hospitalized or in rehabilitation. Stephen Ministry works hand in hand with our pastor of Congregational Care. Please contact them if you would like to connect with a supportive and caring Stephen Minister.
How can I receive home Communion?
Our Stephen Ministers bring Communion to people in their homes who are unable to come to church to receive Communion. If you’d like to receive home Communion, please call the church office, or email Molly Baker at MBakerLex@gmail.com. Home Communion will be brought on the first Sunday of the month, or sometime the following week. A Stephen Minister will be in touch with recipients to arrange a visit. If you have any questions, please contact Molly.
Wise Ministry
A W.I.S.E. congregation is one that is Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in mental health. This means we actively create a space where individuals facing mental health challenges feel accepted, included, and supported. To further our commitment, we offer monthly educational presentations on mental health topics. These sessions cover a variety of important subjects related to mental well-being.We invite you to join us as we learn, grow, and support one another in fostering a more compassionate and understanding community.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Compassion, prayer, and the love of knitting (or crocheting) are combined into a ministry and spiritual practice to serve those in need of comfort and solace, as well as celebration and joy. The creation of shawls begins and ends with prayers for whomever the recipient will be.
It could be for someone serving in the Armed Forces, someone in the hospital, a new baby, or as a comfort after a time of loss, stress, or bereavement.
The history of this ministry can be found at www.shawlministry.com .
To inquire about a shawl, please contact our church office.
Caregiver Support Group
The Caregivers Support Group meets biweekly on Fridays at 2 p.m. in Nelson Hall, Room 101. Led by Joan Millon and supported by a Stephen Minister, this group provides a welcoming space for caregivers to find support, share resources, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caring for a loved one.
Grief Group
The Grief Support Group offers a compassionate space for anyone mourning the loss of a loved one, whether the loss is recent or occurred in the past. Grief is a personal journey, and this group provides a place to share experiences, find comfort, and receive support from others who understand. Through mutual encouragement, resources, and guided discussions, participants can navigate their emotions and healing process in a caring and understanding environment.
Helping Hands
Are you able to give someone a ride to the airport? Perhaps pick up something at the store for them? Sometimes we encounter people who need a favor, so we’re assembling the NUCC Helping Hands group! This group is simply an email list. If we come across someone in need, we put the request out to the whole list and connect the person in need with someone who can help. If you’re interested in being on the list, or if you’d like help from our church, please email Rev. Dr. Mark Williams (by email) and we can get you the care you need.
