Caring for our Congregation
There are many ways that we try to touch the lives of our members, and many ways that you can get involved. The Ministry of Concern Committee, headed by Mike Wall, sponsors many groups and opportunities that provided care, spiritual development, prayers, and address other needs of our members and friends.
Ministry of Concern’s Spring Retreat- Thursday, May 20, Kirkridge’s Farmhouse site to be led by Emily Wallace. We will leave from the Church office at 8:30 AM and be back by 3:30 PM. Please bring a bag lunch and drinks will be provided at Kirkridge. The retreat cost is $5.00/person and can be paid at the retreat. The retreat will be using the labyrinth if the weather will allow that day. Join us for a Day of relaxation and meditation that will refresh and stimulate our spiritual lives. Space is limited so call the church office to reserve your attendance.
The Ministry of Concern, as well as the newly formed Health and Wellness Committee, often sponsors Sunday luncheons on a variety of timely and helpful topics to various segments of our church family (e.g. health care, Hospice, life changes.)
The Health and Wellness Committee is offering blood pressure screenings on the 2nd Sunday of each month, after the 9 a.m. (in the Old Chapel) and 11 a.m. services (in the West Rooms of the church sanctuary). Please stop by for your blood pressure reading. Listed below is some of the ways we reach out to our Central community. Please contact Mike or any of the pastors for more information on these opportunities.
BIRTHDAY GREETERS
This group extends birthday greetings to members of the Central congregation either by sending birthday cards, making phone calls or paying a visit. The Moravian Birthday Book, compiled by the Ministry of Concern, includes each member's birthday and is available in the church office.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Central members and friends join together each December to sings Christmas carols at various retirement homes and residences of our shut-ins. Look to the monthly calendar for more information. All are welcome for a wonderful evening of singing -- and traditional hot cocoa and cookie party afterwards!
Every fall and spring, Central sponsors a day-long retreat at Kirkridge Retreat Center (near Bangor, PA). Programs in the past have ranged from a look at walking the Labyrinths to developing our personal creeds, and we look forward to sharing a special program and time to relax, take a walk in the woods, and share in good conversation with you! Call the church office about the next retreat date.
LAY VISITORS
Part of the Ministry of Concern, this group currently consists of 17 men and women who have been specially trained to serve as lay visitors, visiting the homebound and those in retirement and health care facilities. They currently minister to 25 people. If you are interested in learning more about the lay visitors or you would like a visit, please contact Pastor Carol Reifinger or Pastor Janel Rice.
PULPIT FLOWERS COMMITTEE
This group divides the flowers into smaller bouquets after the church service, and delivers these to Central members who are hospitalized, in nursing homes or homebound. Two people deliver flowers each Sunday; some are assigned to a particular Sunday each month, others are substitutes and assist as needed. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join the group; please contact the church office.
PRAYER GUILD
There are 70 members of the Guild; they respond to the needs of individuals and concerns through intercessory prayer. Anyone may join the group; prayer concerns are communicated by phone so there are no 'meetings'. For more information, please contact the church office.
TAPE MINISTRY
This group provides tape recordings of the 11 a.m. Sunday services to members and friends of Central Church who are homebound, in health care facilities or living at a distance. Susan Spitzig coordinates the duplicating and mailing each Monday. Approximately 12 people each week listen to the service via the tape ministry. Please contact the church office.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Transportation Committee provides members with transportation for essential trips (physician appointments, shopping, and worship.) They are always in need of more drivers! If you would be able to contribute time to this group, please contact the church office.