Through prayer and nurturing actions, this ministry encourages and inspires all to extend thoughts and actions to those in need. Our mission is to reach out to members and non-members in a caring and loving way as Jesus taught us to do.

Prayer Ministry

Many members of the Nurture Ministry Team serve in the church's Prayer Ministry. Why? To enlist, educate, equip, and encourage the members and attendees of Aldersgate UMC to devote themselves to prayers, knowing it is powerful and effective. The mission of the prayer ministry is to make dependence on God through prayer fundamental to our church and to provide a solid, purpose-driven prayer base. The following are some of the aspects of this ministry:

Every Sunday evening the Prayer Circle gathers the prayer requests presented during the worship services, from prayer cards in the church pews and from the prayer request list at the sanctuary entrance, along with requests made directly to prayer circle members. Daily, the Circle prays for these requests as well as the anonymous prayers placed in the Prayer Box on the altar.

Crisis Prayer Requests — We immediately contact the Prayer Circle via email and phone calls when emergency prayer requests are received asking for urgent prayers.

Inspirational Notes — We write notes of encouragement, sympathy, inspiration and comfort to those within the church membership. Especially considered are members who are homebound or medically restricted.

Prayer Shawls — We pray as we knit or crochet shawls or lap blankets. These objects of warmth and comfort are offered to loved ones in families who are enduring troubled times.

Pastoral Care/Support — Intercessors pray daily for the Pastor, his ministry and his family, asking for spiritual guidance and strength for him as he leads our congregation. We pray with him prior to worship services on Sunday morning. Members of the Prayer Ministry also assist the Pastor with home visitations, provide tape recordings of the weekly worship services, and make visits to hospitals and medical facilities.

Loving Hands — This "members helping members" ministry steps in for those who need a helping hand by visiting members who are homebound with taped services, communion, meals or just a friendly chat. If you need prayer support, a hospital visit or anything else, just give them a call. Our members are always there for each other with "loving hands".

Stewardship

A Stewardship Ministry team has the responsibility to pray and research ways to strengthen the stewardship of our members lives. Programs and educational opportunities are available to help us be a good steward of our spiritual, mental and physical life, moving us toward being a whole and healthy person. Focus is on the stewardship of our spiritual gifts, time, talents, money and the ministry of the laity.

Annually, team members research, organize, plan and direct a program to meet the financial needs or our congregation.

Bereavement

At the time of death, the Bereavement ministry team coordinates the activities of planning and delivering meals to help the family during their time of loss. Assistance to the family in additional areas is also provided if needed.

Communications

The Communications ministry team informs the community within and outside the church of the many activities, events, and actions of the congregation through print and broadcast media; internal newsletters and notices; and the website and emails.

New Member Incorporation

This team gives special attention to New Member Incorporation to assist new members to become fully involved and committed to our church and ministry. Regularly, a class is offered to introduce new people to concepts of discipleship and how to grow as a Christian as well as introduce them to the United Methodist Church. The Pastor teaches this class.

Membership Attendance Records

We assist the church by recording those who attend each Sunday morning, based on the information from the attendance booklets distributed during worship services. If we note that members have missed on a consistent basis, we pray for their return, contact the members to let them know they are missed, and, if needed, offer assistance from the church family.