“This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid

                        down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our

                        lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material

                        possessions and sees his brother in need but has no

                        pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear

                        children, let us not love with words or tongue, but

                        with actions and in truth” - 1 John 3:16-18

The third part of our Mission Statement says that we want to be a loving and caring spiritual family.  One of the most important means in fulfilling that goal is our Care Group Ministry.

Care Groups exist to coordinate our ministry to one another within the body of Christ, and particularly when a brother or sister has some need.  They help to ensure that no one gets overlooked, and no one gets overloaded, in this crucial service.  Every member is assigned to a Care Group when they become a part of this church family.  An effort is made to place members in the group geographically closest to their home.

This ministry is crucial for this church family and our shepherds ask that we all pitch in when we are called upon to help, if it is at all possible.  Care Group leaders serve for six months at a time.  If you do not know your current leader, contact the church office.

While Care Groups may be called upon to respond to a variety of needs, there are five types of specific service for which they are responsible:

  1.  To prepare meals, and meet any other necessary needs, for members who experience sickness or deaths in their family;

  2.  To set-up the Family Life Center for a congregational fellowship activity (such as Friend Day, Potlucks, our Annual Ice Cream Supper or congregational Christmas Dinner, etc.) or to clean-up after such an event;

  3.  Organize showers for weddings or births within the family of a fellow Care Group member;

  4.  Prepare communion for Sunday’s worship service;

  5.  And respond to any other special needs which might arise, such as yard work or  assistance in moving, for our older members.

Care Groups do not routinely meet in homes unless the group chooses to do so.  Once a year, at our September fellowship, we do eat together at a congregational potluck.

This congregation has had some type of small group system since 1977, and it has been a major source of the harmony and strength we have experienced as a congregation.  We encourage every member to be an active part of their Care Group!