Care & Support Ministry
Care and Support at First Pres
The Congregational Care Committee provides compassionate, caring concern through personal service to members of our church family and community who live with special needs. If you are interested in participating in or receiving care from one of the various areas of service below, please contact Parish Associate for Pastoral Care, Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz, 817.335.1231, ext. 264. In addition, you may also obtain reviews by church members of assisted living/care options in the Fort Worth community.
PARISH VISITATION
First Pres takes special care to keep in touch and meet the needs of our homebound members. Our Parish Visitors visit with members who are homebound due to illness or mobility challenges to provide a chance to stay connected and feel both nurtured and valued as part of the church community. If you have questions about visitation, please contact Parish Visitor Matt McGraw, 817.335.1231, ext. 249 or the Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz, 817.335.1231, ext. 264.
STEPHEN MINISTRY & SUSTAINING CARE
For nearly forty years, First Presbyterian Church's Stephen Ministers have provided one-on-one care and support to those in need during difficult times — such as divorce, anxiety, death of a loved one or chronic illness. More recently, Sustaining Caregivers have begun to journey alongside those who simply need companionship and someone with whom to share their stories and struggles. Stephen Ministers and Sustaining Caregivers receive extensive specialized training, supervision, and continuing education.
Caregiver Support Group
Caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. If you're a primary caregiver looking for a space to connect, share experiences, and find support, join us for meaningful conversation on the first Monday of each month at 10:30
a.m. in Room 102. Questions? Reach out to
(817.335.1231, ext. 264) for more information.
CARE TEAMS
Organized to coordinate temporary care of those who are hospitalized, chronically ill, or bereaved by providing meals, transportation, errand-running and other services.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP begins january 11
Offered periodically throughout the year, these groups support those experiencing or recovering from grief, facilitated by ordained pastors and/or trained professionals.
First Presbyterian Church is offering a six-week Grief Support Group on Sundays beginning Sunday, January 11, through Sunday, February 15, 2-3:30 p.m. in Room 102, led by the Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz. This group offers a supportive and encouraging space in which to experience God’s presence, comfort, and strength. This group is free and open to members and friends of First Pres and the community.
CARD MINISTRY
Volunteers write to all new members, confirmands, and parents of the newly baptized, welcoming them into the church family. Others maintain regular contact with homebound members who live out of the area and cannot be visited.
HOUSE SITTING MINISTRY
Volunteers stay in the home of a bereaved family during memorial/funeral services to answer the phone, receive gifts of flowers and food, and provide a presence at a vulnerable time.
FLOWER MINISTRY
Members deliver flowers from Sunday worship services to those who are hospitalized or homebound.
MEN'S VISITATION TEAM
Volunteers visit men of the church who can no longer attend worship, keeping them connected to their church family.
MUFFIN TLC MINISTRY
Once a month, volunteers package muffins and other special items, delivering them to families and individuals in special need of a tangible gift of love.
PRAYER LINE MINISTRY
Dedicated "prayers" pray for the church and its members daily. Many volunteers are homebound or unable physically to participate in more active ministries.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Volunteers create shawls and other knitted items to be delivered to those in need of comfort and solace as they pray for the person who is to receive it.
SHUTTLE MINISTRY
Volunteers drive a golf cart shuttle between Trinity Terrace, the church parking lots, and the church entrance to enable elderly members to continue to attend worship services.