CARE Ministry

With the challenges of the pandemic this year, it is more important than ever to be sure everyone in the congregation is feeling connected to the church family and not isolated. 
We invite everyone at TUMC to reach out to each other. 
A phone call, a greeting card, email, or a socially-distance visit can be a wonderful way to show our care for each other.
Check below for some practical advice. (Excerpts from the CARE manual used/provided by the Shores UMC, St. Augustine, FL).

If you want to be more involved with this type of outreach,
​please contact the Mission Team  (bcarlsonvt@yahoo.com) and we can share with you a list of specific needs in our congregation.

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Calling:
Craft your own message—using your own words. Below is a possible script:

“Hi (name of person you’re calling), This is (your first & last name).
I am checking in to see how you are doing and ask if you have needs or prayer concerns.” (Pause…)

If you get an answering machine, you can continue with:
“I’d love to catch up with you. Please feel free to return my call at
(phone number). I’ll also try back later.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, (first name of person you’re calling). God Bless.
Good bye.”

Remind the person their information is held in confidence, but ask if they wish you to share a specific concern with the others who will pray for them.

Offer sympathy if they are down.

If facing a difficult illness, surgery or situation, ask if they would like the Pastor to visit.

Ask for permission to add them to the public Prayer List.

Do not make promises you cannot keep. 
If you offer assistance—Assist.
If you offer prayers—Pray.
If you indicate you’ll call again—Call.

​A Written Message:
A cheerful and well meaning message can be extremely important for someone’s healing process. A hand-written message shows how much you really care.

• Send cards, notes and letters to mark special occasions— birthdays, anniversaries, births, baptisms, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, holidays, promotions.
• Cards to convey sympathy — the loss of a loved one—family member or friend, loss of a beloved pet, or any personal loss.
• Notes of encouragement to those who are ill or sad.
• Notes of acknowledgement that they are remembered; “Thinking of you today”.
• Notes of thanks—for a job well done, assistance, appreciation.

For those ill or sad—a note should accomplish these four goals:

1. Acknowledge that you are aware of their condition.
2. Show that you care.
3. Express your hope and prayers for a quick recovery.
4. Let them know many (We) are praying for them.

​Let your written words come from the heart. RE-READ your note before sending. Make sure what you intended to say—is said clearly and with compassion.