Care
All of us, whether clergy or lay, are ministers one to another. Much love and care are given and received in the many different church-related gatherings. Specific attention to pastoral needs is found in 4 ministries:
Shut-in and Nursing Home Care- Regular contact is given to our shut-ins and nursing home residents through phone calls and visitation. Contact the church office, (903) 753-4463
Intercessory Prayer - Each day, members of our church come to pray for those in need. Also, a weekly prayer letter, prayer chain, special requests, and prayers for church needs are part of this ministry. To request prayer, contact Joan Rathbun at (903) 753-4463.
Stephen Ministry - This program provides one-to-one confidential support for people in need or crisis. Stephen Ministers are church members who have received over 50 hours of training in areas such as grief, divorce, separation, illness, and stress, as well as listening skills and prayer. The care given to persons is not counseling or therapy but a Christian friendship of support and encouragement. Contact Steve Thompson at (903) 452-0921.
Carpenter's Friends - Carpenter's Friends are church members who volunteer their time and expertise to help senior members of FUMC who need help with repairs that are needed in their home. For more information, please contact David Dunlap at (903) 643-3200.
Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network (LIHN) - Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network (LIHN) is an area-wide, church-based ministry that supports families without housing as they search for jobs, undergo job training, and obtain permanent housing. FUMC is one of 9 host churches in Longview. LIHN's goal is to provide a safe environmnet in which families without homes can stay together while they receive the assistance they need to get on their feet. Since the inception of LIHN, 80% of the families going through the program have secured permanent housing. For more information or to volunteer to help, please call Donald or Lucy Peacock at (903) 663-1419.
