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  • 160 Johnson Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178
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Caring Ministry Network

The Caring Ministry Network is a group of compassionate, caring, concerned, volunteers who assist the pastors
in supporting members who are unwillingly absent from worship and other church activities through:
  • friendly conversation      
  • prayer
  • reading Scripture
  • sharing devotionals
  • hymns
  • offering communion
Volunteers range in age from 30’s to 90’s, single or married, working or retired. Most members go out in pairs
as in Mark 6:7-13.
 

What is the purpose of the Caring Ministry Network?

To share the Good News of God’s love and compassion through face-to-face visits

CMN visits reassure people who cannot get to the church building that they are important and help keep them connected to the congregation. Volunteers share about what is happening at SUMC with the help of bulletins and videos. The Caring Ministry Network identifies our congregation to the wider community as a place where people’s needs are taken seriously. 

Buzz Wheeler, Minister of Congregational care and outreach, provides training and the group provides ongoing support.

How much of a commitment is volunteering with the Caring Ministry Network?
On average 1 – 4 hours  per month. Members go out in pairs. The goal is that each pair visit at least once a month face-to-face with the 3-5 persons assigned to them, more if willing. Volunteers are also encouraged to connect once or twice a month through cards or phone calls.
Some volunteers serve as  “floaters,” help fill in when people go out of town and providing extra visits here and there.
Network volunteers meet once a month on the 3rd Wednesday  at 10:00 am. Meetings are not mandatory. People enjoy attending because it is an opportunity to learn from each other and share fellowship and concerns.
 
Where and how do volunteers serve?
  • Drop off CD/DVDs to private homes and retirement facilities.
  • Send greeting cards with get-well wishes, for birthdays, holidays, and other special celebrations.
  • Visit people unwilling absent from church, in private homes, in rehab facilities, in retirement communities.
  • Help out with occasional rides when regular support network cannot meet needs.
 

John 16:33 says:
 “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Christ was a realist. He told us that life would be challenging, but He didn’t leave us helpless or hopeless. As Christians, we are to bear one another’s burdens and be instruments of God’s  grace and healing.
 

Please consider joining fellow congregants in offering your tangible presence as proof of God’s love  through the Caring Ministry Network at Sycamore United Methodist Church.

Contact chairperson Rhonda Cheney or Congregational Care Minister Buzz Wheeler.