CARE MINISTRIES
Crisis | Encouragement | Support | Grief | Health + Wellness | Prayer
Care exists at Hempfield UMC to help people through life crises, help them find spiritual and emotional health so they can engage in the mission God has for their lives and to help them grow as disciples of Jesus.
We celebrate and praise God for the many blessings and miracles He performs in our daily lives and in the life of our church.
For more information or questions about Care Ministries, please contact Joan Karr at jkarr@hempfieldumc.com or 285-5156, ext. 222.
“As I have loved you so must you love one another” -John 13:34
Crisis
CALLED TO CARE
When a crisis situation or hospitalization occurs in a family, Called to Care ministers are ready to provide meals, transportation to appointments, help with pet care, house care and much more.
CRISIS CARE FOOD
Care provides a three-day supply of food for families in crisis.
CARE RESOURCE PACKET
Provides a wealth of information about Hempfield UMC and community resources such as free meal locations, medical and financial help. This is designed for individuals or families who are experiencing crisis in their lives.
Encouragement
PASS IT ON MINISTRY
COED CARE
CARD CARE
CARING STITCHERS
These knitters and crocheters create a variety of items in quiet prayer and contemplation. These include prayer shawls that are given to an individual or family during a time of need and “blankets of blessing” to commemorate the baptism of infants and children.
STAMPS OF LOVE
Stamps of Love is a group of stamping enthusiasts who meet monthly to design and make up to 70 beautiful cards each month for care ministry groups.
Grief
FUNERAL CARE
Funeral Care is a caring team that meets with grieving families to help plan, coordinate and oversee the funeral service of their loved one.
GRIEF CARE
Grief Care provides support to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one through cards and phone calls for one year.
GRIEFSHARE
GriefShare is a support group for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. A place to find comfort and care and learn valuable information about recovery from grief and renewing hope for the future. This group meets twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
QUIET CHRISTMAS
Quiet Christmas is offered in early December as a comfort to hurting people who have lost a loved one. This tender worship service affords a time of special remembrance and quiet grace for those who need to express mournful grief.
HEALING SERVICES
Anyone who is in need of healing in body, mind and spirit is invited to come for anointing, laying on of hands, prayer and communion.
Health + Wellness
Pastor Keith Braucher provides short-term pastoral counseling. He also refers and works with other professional counselors for longer term or special needs.
BIPOLAR SUPPORT GROUP
The Bipolar Support Group holds monthly luncheon meetings on the second Thursday of the month at noon for those living bipolar disorder and their friends and family members. Mental Health America of Lancaster partners with Hempfield UMC to provide leadership.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Mental Health Awareness provides education and support the church on mental health concerns.
HOMEBOUND MINISTRY
Homebound Ministry is a team of trained ministers who make monthly visits to those in our congregation who are unable to attend services due to extended illness or are residents of a care facility.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
The Emergency Response Team is a team of a professional health care workers who are present for emergencies during large church events such as Christmas Eve services or conferences.
Support
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministry is a team of caregivers who are called and equipped to journey with people needing special care. Each minister has extensive training and makes a two-year commitment to travel life’s road with their receiver.
NEWBORN MINISTRY
The Newborn Ministry team makes care visits to the homes of families with new babies.
WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CANCER
Women Survivors of Cancer is a support group for women at Hempfield UMC and the surrounding community. Members offer each other prayer, encouragement, share experiences and make cancer bracelets for newly diagnosed women.
OSWEGO VILLAGE
In partnership with Columbia Lions Club, we support families that are in need of extra help over the holidays at Oswego Village in Columbia. Complete Christmas dinner boxes, warm winter gloves, hats and scarves, as well as gifts for children are often given to families in need at Oswego Village.
VITA
VITA is a free tax service for those with special needs, disabilities, limited income and the elderly. Tax appointments are scheduled from the beginning of February through the first week of April.
Prayer
TELECARE
TeleCare members contact church members by phone to ask for prayer concerns and give encouragement.
PRAYER CARD RESEARCH TEAM
The Prayer Card Research Team collects and prays over all prayer cards and e-prayer requests collected throughout the week. Each prayer request is carefully researched and follow-up occurs by phone, e-mail and encouraging cards. Prayers are printed in the Prayer Page, which is available to the congregation the following Sunday.
PRAYER CHAINS
Prayers for illnesses, hospitalization, grief or other immediate concerns are prayed for by our prayer chains. Phone calls go out daily – morning and evening.





