Ministries

---

Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. Anyone struggling through a difficult time in life – experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, retirement, financial setback, empty nesting, or some other life crises can receive care from a Stephen Minister.

A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education. 

 Hope 4 Kids: This school year’s first quarter has been an exciting one for Hope 4 Kids. Each month, volunteers at Mt. Carmel UMC prepare 63 packs of food for students at Spring Ridge Elementary and Oakdale Middle School, while New Market UMC prepares 21 packs of food for students at New Market Elementary, New Market Middle, Deer Crossing Elementary, and Oakdale Elementary. That is 84 students in our local community that are being blessed by our Hope 4 Kids program! Behind the scenes, more than 50 volunteers help each month to manage inventory, fundraise, order food, shop for additional items, deliver items to the schools, and, of course, prepare the packs. If you are interested in learning more about this local mission, please contact Christy Renken at hope4kids.foodpacks@gmail.com or join us at one of our monthly packings. If you would like to donate to Hope 4 Kids, simply drop a check or cash into the offering with H4K on the memo line. Donations can also be mailed directly to either church. At Mt. Carmel, packing immediately follows the 11:00 a.m. service, in the basement, on Sunday 1/5/20 and Sunday 2/2/20. At New Market, packings are held on Tuesdays 12/17/19 and 1/21/20 in the Schoolhouse at 6:00 p.m. This is a great time of prayer, service, and fellowship and all ages are welcome. Thank you not only to our wonderful volunteers, but to all of the donors that allow us to spread Christ throughout our beloved community through Hope 4 Kids. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! 

7:30  p.m. in the Education building kitchen. At each gathering there is time  to share our joys and concerns, then one of the ladies will present a  short program.
 

In  the past we have talked about prayer, grace, shared books and music  that touch our lives, played a fun game to get to know each other  better, done a craft and always have a yummy snack.
 

Presenting a program is completely voluntary! It is not mandatory that each lady do a lesson or bring a snack.
 

LIFT  stands for Ladies In Faith Together and that is just what we are! A  group of ladies walking our faith and lift journey together. If you have  never been to LIFT we hope you will try it this month. Our meetings  normally last an hour and a half and are always full of joy!
 

Mark Your Calendars: LIFT meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Ed. Bldg Kitchen
 

For more information contact Kathy Ginsburg (Katherine.ginsburg@fcps.org) or Donna Clawson(sd3clawson85@yahoo.com)