Jesus’ command to love one another reminds us that offering care is essential. Walking alongside one another in love on all paths of life’s journey is at the heart of our Congregational Care Ministries.

If you are seeking information or need assistance, please reach out below.

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For Congregational Care information:

To serve in Congregrational Care:

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For Senior Engagement:

Stephen Ministry

Our church is in its 38th year as part of a worldwide caring ministry called Stephen Ministry. It’s an important part of how we reach out with care to hurting people in our congregation and the wider community, connecting them with Christ’s love when they need it most. Stephen Ministers are trained lay caregivers who offer one-to-one presence to those who are hurting. Our Stephen Ministers are skilled listeners who serve as companions to people during times of grief, difficult life challenges, and other life stresses.

Here’s a short video from Stephen Ministry founder Dr. Kenneth Haugk. We’re always recruiting congregation members to train as Stephen Ministers and keep our caring ministry going strong. If you’re interested in getting involved or possibly receiving care from a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Nancy Dixon Walton.

Care Resources & Opportunities

Caring for Our Congregation

A List of Resources

Click here for a list of resources available to our church community. To serve or learn more, reach out to the contact listed.

Health Ministry Team

The Health Ministry Team coordinates and supports the programs and offerings related to health and wellness here at Myers Park UMC. They meet several times a year. Contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith to learn more about or to join this ministry.

Care Team Ministry

Join our Care Team Ministry! Care Teams are groups of trained volunteers who work together to respond to the needs of a church member and/or family member experiencing health issues or crisis. Time commitments are flexible, and training is provided. Contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith to learn more about or to join this ministry.

Annual Blood Drive

The annual Red Cross Blood Drive in memory of Robert Lutz and Mitchell Bays Turner is September 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the basement of the Parish Life Building. Come to the Parish Life Building lobby on September 13 and September 20 to schedule your donation appointment. For details or help scheduling your appointment, contact Julie Williams.

Bridges of Hope

October 1, 11:30 a.m., Assembly Hall

Join us for lunch and to learn about mental health and ways that our faith community can offer support for all ages. Presented by Congregational Care and NAMI FaithNet. Lunch is $12. Click here to sign up. Contact Julie Williams with any questions.

Annual Flu Shot Clinic

Join our Health Ministry Team for our annual flu vaccine clinic. No appointments needed, and many insurance plans accepted. More information to come this fall. Contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith with any questions.

Fall Bible Retreat

Lake Junaluska, October 14-16

Join Rev. Nancy Dixon Walton for a time of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal as we explore Joyce Rupp’s The Years of Ripening. Together we will consider how God continues to nurture growth, wisdom, and purpose in every season of life. Cost is $590 for single occupancy and $295 for double. Click here to register. Contact Julie Williams with any questions.

Traveling Sticks

Tuesdays, 2 p.m., room 123

Our knitters and crocheters gather at the church every week.  They begin with prayer and they share joys and concerns as they fellowship while knitting prayer shawls.

Yoga + Prayer

Meredith Starling leads in-person gentle yoga sessions on Mondays at 12 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Francis Chapel. These classes are offered simultaneously on Zoom. A $5 donation is suggested.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

-Romans 12:15

    Parenting Book Recommendations

    Bibles and Devotions

    Breakfast with Jesus: 100 Devotions for Kids by Vanessa Myers

    Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science by Louie Giglio and Nicola Anderson (5-9 years)

    Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young (6-11 years)

    Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff (ages 5-9)

    The Beginners Bible 365 Devotions for Kids (ages 2-5)

    The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (2+ years)

    Mental Health

    Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff

    Seen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection by Will Hutcherson and NCC Chinwe’ Williams

     

    Technology

    The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch

     

    Parenting Books

    Faithful Families by Traci Smith

    Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin

    Habits of the Household by Justin Early

    Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship by Robbie Castleman

    The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman

    To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig

     

    BOOKS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

    Masterpiece: an inclusive kids book celebrating a child on the autism spectrum by Alexandra Hoffman and Beatriz Mello

    Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

    Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy by Jayneed Sanders and Camila Carrossine

    This is Me (Kids With Special Needs And Disabilities) by Larry S Glover

    Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids With Dyslexia and Learning Differences by Shaina Rudolph, Mary Vukadinovich, et al.

    Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang

    Different--A Great Thing to Be! By Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

    Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God's Image in Every Person by Laura Wilfer and Skylar White

     

    ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

    Advent with Kids by Wendy Wallace-Wright

    All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner

    B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner

    Donkey’s Christmas Song by Nancy Tafuri

    Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas by Traci Smith

    God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

    Home by Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor

    Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

    Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

    The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

    The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson

    The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

    The Tiny Star by Arthur Ginolfi

    ‘Twas the Season of Advent by Glenys Nellist

    Waiting by Kevin Henkes