Caring Ministries

Pastor Kara Eidson is the staff member who works with the Caring Ministries to oversee a variety of resources related to care and comfort, and support at home, or transition and loss. Unless otherwise noted call Kara at 785-841-7500, or kara@fumclawrence.org. to request resources or volunteer to help.

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. Persons going through divorce, financial crisis, family difficulties, illness and other problems find comfort and help in Stephen Ministers.

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in listening, building relationships, confidentiality, crisis theory and intervention, and use of prayer and the Bible. They work alongside our staff and clergy.

Home Visits
Our pastoral staff, Stephen Ministers and non-staff volunteers (Walking Rainbows) will regularly call or visit in the homes of those unable to come to church. Call the church office for assistance at 785-841-7500.

Walking Rainbows
This group is part of the Nurture and Outreach Committee of the Senior Adult Ministry Council. Members are in a long term relationship with senior members of the congregation who are no longer able to come to worship at the church. "Walking Rainbows" regularly call on three to five of our homebound members. Although all that is shared is done in confidentiality, they are a link to the pastoral staff. They will inform the staff of concerns or changes in an individual's situation.

Marriage Counseling
Pastor Emertus Virgil Brady offers marriage counseling upon request.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

This ministry aat First Church is called "Wrapped in Love." The group createds one-of-a-kind prayer shawls and gives them to members and friends of the congregation. THey are a reminder of God's love and our love. One group meets on the 1st Thrusday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at member's home and the other meets o the 2nd Friday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in Room 203.

Prayer Support
First Church publishes a "First in Prayer" list in the bulletin and newsletter for those wishing prayer support.