Care Ministries

In the Gospel of John, chapter 21 we read where Jesus tells Peter that if Peter loves him, he is to feed Jesus' sheep, to tend the lambs. At Shepherd of theHills United Methodist Church we believe that God created this community of faith to care for one another as we journey through life. The Care Ministry Team is here to make God's love tangible by offering ministries that provide support and healing. The Care Team is here to help--you don't have to go through difficult times alone.

The Care Team

Rev. Dr. James Bonsell Director of Care Ministries

Esther Vallet, RN Parish Nurse

Rev. Franklin Greene Pastor Emeritus

To contact the Care Team you may call the church office at:

623-584-2280

Stephen Ministry

When you need someone to talk to in a time of crisis a Stephen Minister is someone who will listen. Stephen Ministers have received special training to be personal, Christian caregivers who maintain confidentiality. A Stephen Minister is also a non-judgmental listener who will love, care, encourage and visit you regularly at a time and place of your choosing.

Health and Welfare

The Health and Welfare Team is the "Hands and Feet" of the church. They offer their friendship and assistance to those who are homebound, bereaved and those who are physically or emotionally stressed. Some of the ways they are able to help are:

Being a buddy to someone going through a difficult time, making phone calls, and offering help after a hospitalization.
Visiting in the local hospitals and care facilities.
Delivering sermon tapes or videos, church bulletin and UpperRoom Devotional Books to those who are homebound or ill.
Hosting memorial service receptions when needed.
Distributing flowers to homebound members following Sunday worship.

Parish Nurse Ministry

On staff we have a Parish Nurse whose job it is to provide support for those experiencing medical difficulties. The Parish Nurse is able to help you connect with the resources available in our community.

The Parish Nurse coordinates the Blood Pressure Clinics held on Sundays, as well as coordinating the Heart Savers Volunteers, a team which is trained in CPR and able to use the automatic defibrillators.

Finding Support

1. Grief Group-Learning how to live again after the loss of a loved one is not easy. The Grief Group is a safe place to share your feelings and find support in your time of need. The Grief Group meets every Tuesday at 4:00 PM in the Prayer Room.

2. Cancer Support Group-Being diagnosed with cancer is never easy. This group meets to encourage and support one another going though a similar struggle. Along the way we discover strength and even learn to laugh again. The Cancer Support Group meets every Thursday at 11:00 AM in the Sacristy.

3. Prayer Chain-Sometimes we all need prayer. Our prayer chain is a confidential recording. Person's desiring prayer may call the 24 hour prayer line at 623-584-2922- The members of the Prayer Chain will be in prayer for your need.

4. Emergency Pastoral Phone Number-If you have an emergency when the office is closed, dial 623-584-7642 and your call will be forwarded to the Pastor-On-Call.

5. Parkinson's Support Group-If you or a loved one is dealing with Parkinson's we invite you to a support group meeting on our campus. The Parkinson's Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday at 3 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

6. Parkinson's Exercise Group-Meets Mondays at 9 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The leader for this group is provided by the Mohammad Ali Parkinson's Center.

7. Alzheimer's Support Group-for information, please contact the Alzheimer's Association by calling 602-528-0545.

For details and current schedules of all the above activities contact the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church office at 623-584-2280. Or better yet, visit us and pick up a copy of our church newsletter, "The Shepherds Voice," at our church office.