Congregational Care is a vital ministry of Auburn United Methodist Church. It is our responsibility and our joy to care for those connected to our church. Please take a look at our ministries and discover ways you can help us to provide the highest level of Christian love and care to our congregation and community. If you have a prayer request or birth announcement, please fill out the contact form below so we can be praying for you!
You may use the contact form to the left to send in prayer requests, birth announcements, etc. and it will go directly to our Congregational Care team. Please make sure to indicate if this is a private request, which should only be shared with the pastoral team, or if you would like it to appear in the church bulletin and newsletter. Thank you!
In cooperation with other area churches and community organizations, Auburn United Methodist Church has launched REACH, A Community Respite Ministry.
For REACH Participants:
- REACH (Refresh, Encourage, Activities, Care, Hope) is now meeting every Tuesday AND Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Epworth Center at Auburn United Methodist Church.
- This ministry is for persons with early to moderate memory issues. Participants must be able to interact socially and attend to their own bathroom needs.
- Those interested in participating must apply through Auburn United Methodist Church. Applications are available in our Church Office or by contacting us directly (see below for contact information).
- The cost for each REACH Respite Day is $30/day* and includes physical, mental and emotional interaction with other participants and volunteers. Lunch is also provided. *Scholarships are available for eligible participants.
For REACH Volunteers:
- If you are interested in volunteering with this incredible ministry of our church for our community, you must complete our 3-hour training.
- Our next training will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m (lunch provided). Volunteer training is mandatory for REACH volunteers. If you are interested in attending this training session, please contact Christine Browdy, Director of the REACH Community Respite Program at Christine.Browdy@aumc.net or 334.826.8800, ext. 252.
For more information about REACH, please visit our NEW website at www.reachrespite.org.
Caregiver Support Group
Please join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. in Room A106 for our Family Caregiver Support Group Meeting.
These meetings provide a time to share and gain ideas about issues one faces in providing care both physically and emotionally on a daily basis. This group is free and confidential.
If respite care is needed so you can attend, please contact Parish Nurse Judy Guin at 826-2218.
New Support Group for Grandparents & Non-Parent Relatives Raising Younger Children
- This group meets on the first Monday of each month from 6-7:00 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church Annex | Room D134
- Childcare is provided.
- For more information, please contact Lisa Kitchens at (334)421-7163 or Debra Foster at (334) 332-9703
Other Congregational Care Outreaches
- Special Friends: Volunteers provide ongoing visitation to 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. 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. Coordinator: Julie Hare, 826-8800 or Julie.Hare@aumc.net
- Flower Angels: Flowers used in the sanctuary during worship services are divided 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. Coordinator: Dani Halverson, 821-8334
- Hospital Visitation: All members in the hospital are visited by a Clergy person and a lay volunteer each day as a demonstration of the care and love of our congregation. 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 Nurses: Judy Guin, 826-2218 and Nancy Teel, 887-5583
- Pet Ministry: Volunteers bring pets which 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 and Rhonda Scott, 749-4852
- Mending Hearts Ministry: Volunteers carry the congregation’s love to those who have lost a loved one, through personal contacts on significant dates, cards, and other expressions of love. This ministry ensures that grieving members experience care in a tangible way during a difficult time. Coordinator: Penny Hundley, 821-4117
- Veterans Ministry: AUMC offers a ministry for all veterans of the US Armed Forces in the church and community. Those military members presently serving in the Active, National Guard or Reserve Forces are also welcomed to join in. This ministry offers an avenue for fellowship, mutual support and sharing information. Coordinator: John Wingfield at 334-826-0777 or jpwingfield@gmail.com