Congregational Care is an important ministry at AUMC.  We feel it is not only our responsibility, but also our joy to care for the needs of those connected to our church.  This ministry area provides pastoral care and helps develop a web of relational Christian care-giving so that each member feels connected and at home at AUMC.  We feel meeting the needs of others is a vital part of any congregation.  Take a look at all the ways you can help us provide the highest level of care to our congregation and community!

Congregational Care Outreaches

  • Special Friends:  Volunteers provide ongoing visitation to primarily elderly homebound members who are no longer able to attend worship and other church activities. In some cases this connection goes beyond the congregation to include relatives or acquaintances of members. Periodic visits are enhanced with telephone calls and by sending cards on special occasions. Through these acts of Christian love Special Friends extend the reach of the congregation to persons who need to know they are still loved and a part of the body of Christ. Coordinator: Flavin Glover (821-7091). 
     
  • Communion to the Homebound: Communion elements are consecrated by our pastors and then served in the home by a Deacon. This ministry is available for those unable to attend worship for significant periods. Contact Julie Hare (826-8800 or julie.hare@aumc.net).
     
  • Check-in-Methodist: Through this ministry, individuals who live alone may request a daily telephone call at 8:00 a.m. each morning. This call assures that the individual is all right, and is one way of indicating that they are cared for. If there is no response procedures are followed which finally result in a check made at the individual’s residence if they are not otherwise determined to be all right. Volunteers are assigned calling responsibilities for one week during the year. Coordinator: Martha Baker (821-9229).
     
  • Transportation for Special Needs: Volunteers provide transportation for members with special needs or for those unable to drive themselves. Most commonly this service is provided for visits to the doctor or for medical treatment. However, other needs may also be met. Coordinator: Paul Turnquist (821-3463)
     
  • Transportation to Church: Transportation to worship is provided for members who are no longer able to provide their own transportation to church. This assistance is arranged on an individual basis. Contact Julie Hare (826-8800 or julie.hare@aumc.net).
     
  • Flower Angels: Flowers used in the sanctuary during worship services are divided into smaller arrangements and taken by lay volunteers to members who are in the hospital or homebound. A special card accompanies the flowers noting that they were present in worship and carry the love of our congregation to the recipient. In this manner the flowers continue to bring a message of God’s love and the beauty of creation. Coordinator: Dani Halverson (821-8334 H; 844-1149 W). 
     
  • Wellness Ministry: Hospitalization is a time of concern and stress; often a continuing period of stress follows while the individual is convalescing at home. Through this ministry, a lay volunteer visits all members in the hospital each day as a demonstration of the care and love of the congregation. Any special needs that are identified through those visits are transmitted to the Director of Congregational Care Ministries. Upon discharge from the hospital, contact is made the following week to determine whether there are any specific needs for assistance that the congregation should be aware of. Coordinators: Ann Moss and Julie Hare (826-8800)
     
  • Parish Nurse Ministry: In cooperation with East Alabama Medical Center, a nurse employed by EAMC who is a member of AUMC serves as a Parish Nurse within our congregation. The Parish Nurse works to develop a holistic health program for the congregation serving as a bridge between health and faith. The Parish Nurse organizes a health committee and works to provide numerous health related programs to the congregation. The Parish Nurse does not provide hands on care, but does assist members with questions concerning health and health-related problems. Parish Nurse: Judy Guin (826-2218) 
     
  • Pet Ministry: Volunteers bring pets who have been certified as gentle and friendly to visit the elderly in care facilities in order to brighten their day. Coordinators: Ann Moss (826.8800) or Rhonda Scott (749.4852).
  • Mending Hearts Ministry: This ministry carries the congregation’s love to those who have lost a loved one, through personal contacts on significant dates, through cards, and through other expressions of love. It ensures that grieving members experience the congregation’s love in tangible ways, and that special needs are responded to. Coordinator: Delores Driscoll (887-6934).