United Methodist Church of Casa Grande
Nurture Lay Ministries
The Nurture Team coordinates, plans, carries out, and evaluates the congregation’s ministry in the areas of member care, worship, and educational experiences. This includes overseeing the church school, facilitating small groups, organizing regular and special worship services, guiding stewardship formation, and conducting member visitation.
The team is dedicated to gathering information by being attentive to both the congregation and the neighborhood. This involves asking questions and listening attentively to the responses. By evaluating current ministries, the team assesses how they can be improved or adapted to better serve the community’s spiritual growth and well-being.
Quick Links
We’re thrilled to introduce our Nurture Lay Ministry Team! These dedicated individuals are here to support and nurture our community. Feel free to reach out to any of them if you have questions, need assistance, or simply want to chat. They’re approachable, friendly, and always ready to lend a listening ear.
Back Row – Left to Right: Pam, Pastor Steve, Mark, Deb, Kay, Cindey
Front Row – Left to Right: Phoebe, Lynn, Bev, Peggy, Diana, Bonnie
BIble Study
Adult Sunday Study
Adult Sunday School will offer a range of benefits that can enrich the spiritual and communal life of participants such as spiritual growth, fellowship, education, building relationships, and acquiring diverse perspectives.
Afternoon Bible Study
Afternoon Bible Study will be a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into scripture, explore its profound meaning, and apply its timeless wisdom to our daily lives. This will be an engaging and thought-provoking study, fostering spiritual growth, encouraging meaningful discussions, and nurturing a stronger connection with God.
Card Ministry
A UMCCG Card Ministry is a thoughtful Nurture program that sends personalized cards to congregants to offer encouragement, support, and recognition of special occasions. Here’s what such a ministry typically does for the congregants:
- Encouragement and Support: Volunteers send cards with positive messages and prayers to uplift those who might be going through challenging times, such as illness or personal difficulties.
- Celebrating Milestones: Cards are also sent to celebrate important life events like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or new births within the congregation.
- Sympathy and Condolences: In times of loss, the card ministry ensures that bereaved family members receive messages of sympathy and comfort.
- Thank You Notes: Expressing gratitude to volunteers and members who contribute their time and resources to the church community.
- Prayerful Reminders: Cards often include prayers or scripture verses to remind recipients of the church’s care and God’s presence.
- Connection: For those unable to attend services, such as shut-ins or hospitalized members, these cards are a tangible connection to their church family.
Compassionate Care Ministry
Assistance Focus: The ministry will concentrate on helping individuals within our congregation who require transportation to medical appointments.
Aging Population Consideration: Recognizing the challenges faced by our aging population, the ministry will provide support for those who are unable to drive themselves.
Volunteer Coordination: A system will be established to coordinate volunteers who can offer their time and vehicles for this service.
Scheduling System: An efficient scheduling system will be implemented to manage appointment times and transportation availability.
Outreach and Communication: The ministry will maintain communication with the congregation to identify members in need and to recruit volunteers.
Safety and Training: Volunteers will receive training to ensure the safety and comfort of those they assist.
Intercessory Prayer
Ministry Dedication: Establish a ministry dedicated to intercessory prayer, focusing on praying for others and addressing their needs and concerns.
Prayer Commitment: Members commit to regular prayer sessions, lifting up the requests and burdens of those within and outside the congregation.
Prayer List Management: Maintain a confidential prayer list that is regularly updated with new requests and thanksgiving.
Volunteer Involvement: Encourage volunteer participation from the congregation to support the ministry’s prayer efforts.
Outreach and Communication: Provide a means for individuals to submit prayer requests, ensuring ease of access and privacy.
Spiritual Support: Offer spiritual support and guidance to those in need, reflecting the ministry’s compassionate mission.
Library – Resource Center for Spiritual and Personal Growth
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande library serves as a beacon of knowledge and spiritual nourishment. It shoulders the vital role of:
- Curating Collections: Handpicking a diverse array of literature that resonates with the church’s doctrine and the congregation’s quest for wisdom.
- Ministry Support: Offering a treasure trove of biblical resources to enrich Sunday school teachings and facilitate engaging church programs.
- Nurturing Growth: Cultivating an environment conducive to personal reflection and theological education for individuals of all ages.
- Community Connection: Transforming the library into a vibrant community hub, where members bond over shared stories and literary events.
- Resource Stewardship: Meticulously organizing and managing the library’s assets to ensure a welcoming space for all seekers of knowledge.
Digital Church Directory
- Enhanced Communication:
- The directory will make it easier for members to contact each other.
- Fostering Connections: By recognizing faces, members can build stronger relationships.
- Ease of Recognition: Helps new and existing members put names to faces, fostering a welcoming environment.
These elements will contribute to a successful digital directory that not only serves as a practical tool but also strengthens the church community.
Member Care
Member care is a pastoral responsibility that ensures every church member feels valued and supported. It’s about creating a community where individuals and families receive the attention they need, especially during challenging times or when they’re unable to attend services regularly.
- Active Membership Roster: Maintain an up-to-date list of church members to monitor attendance and participation.
- Outreach Team: Assemble a team dedicated to reaching out to absent members.
- Communication System: Establish a reliable method for contacting members, such as phone calls, emails, or home visits.
- Support Services: Develop a range of support services tailored to different life stages and circumstances.
- Key Points:
- Nurturing Ministry: Focuses on the emotional and spiritual well-being of the congregation.
- Support and Attention: Provides personalized care to members in need.
- Life Stages and Circumstances: Addresses the unique needs of members as they navigate various phases of life.
- Ensuring Well-being: Prioritizes the health and happiness of members, especially those who may feel disconnected due to absence from services.
Monthly Birthday Celebration
Define a Monthly Birthday Celebration
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- Occurrence: Celebrated monthly
- Objective: To commemorate the birth of each individual during that particular month.
- Festivities: Engaging in the heartwarming tradition of singing the birthday song and partaking in cake within the welcoming space of the Fellowship Hall
- Cake Design: Each cake continues to be a masterpiece, crafted with exquisite artistry to delight the senses.
Music Ministry
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande music ministry
- Purpose: Glorify God through music, touching lives and bringing joy.
- Worship and Praise: Lead heartfelt worship, encouraging a lifestyle of worship.
- Musical Excellence: Rooted in God’s Word, musically excellent, and relevant.
- Inclusivity: Welcoming all skill levels, emphasizing participation
Lunch Bunch
The “Lunch Bunch” initiative by the United Methodist Church of Casa Grande aims to foster a strong community through shared meals and experiences. Here are the key points, highlighted for clarity:
- Community Nurturing: The core of the initiative is to nurture a sense of community and friendship among participants, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Social Platform: It serves as a platform for congregation members to come together, promoting social interaction and a sense of camaraderie.
- Experience Sharing: Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, contributing to the group’s richness with diverse perspectives and stories.
- Bonding Over Food: The initiative recognizes the universal joy of food as a powerful medium to create lasting bonds and a stronger sense of unity.
- Regular Meetings: A regular schedule for gatherings is essential to maintain the initiative’s momentum and build participants’ anticipation.
- Inclusive Environment: It’s crucial to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background.
These requirements are designed to ensure that “Lunch Bunch” is a sustainable, enriching, and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Martin Medical Equipment Ministry
Establishment: The ministry is officially established and now open, providing access to necessary medical equipment for those in need.
Resource Availability: A comprehensive list of available equipment will be regularly updated and made accessible to ensure transparency and facilitate ease of access.
Donation Process: The ministry welcomes donations of medical equipment, with the condition that there is a permanent storage facility available to securely house the donated items.
Community Acknowledgment: There is a profound sense of gratitude extended to the community for their generosity and support, which are pivotal in enhancing the collective well-being and success of this ministry.
Project Cookbook
Community and Spiritual Growth: The project aims to foster community and spiritual growth through shared culinary traditions.
Cookbook Creation: A communal cookbook will be compiled, featuring cherished recipes from our congregation’s diverse families.
Testament of Fellowship and Faith: The cookbook will serve as a testament to our congregation’s fellowship and faith.
SWWG Organization: The Susanna Wesley Women’s Group (SWWG) will be responsible for organizing the cookbook.
Inclusive Participation: All congregation members are encouraged to contribute recipes and stories to the cookbook.
Project Timeline: The goal is to have the cookbook completed and available by a specified date, fostering a sense of anticipation and involvement.
Men’s Group
The ministry of men in the United Methodist Church of Casa Grande is multifaceted and aims to foster spiritual growth among all male members.
Core Group: A dedicated group of men works in partnership with the pastor to create and promote spiritual growth opportunities.
Diverse Gifts and Interests: Recognizing that each man has unique talents and interests, the ministry offers a variety of activities to cater to these differences.
Wide Range of Opportunities:
- Prayer Groups: Encouraging men to gather for prayer.
- Missions: Engaging in outreach and service projects.
- Bible Studies: Facilitating the study of scripture.
- Committee Participation: Leading and serving on church committees.
- Mentoring: Offering guidance and support to fellow church members.
- Worship Service: Assisting and leading in the worship services.
Nurses Corner
Today, we shine a spotlight on our retired and active nurses who continue to serve in a unique capacity—by sharing health-related information, support, and care within our church community newsletter each month.
- Topic Selection: Choose relevant health topics that would benefit the church community.
- Evidence-Based Information: Ensure that the health tips are based on current, evidence-based medical research.
- Clear Language: Use language that is easy to understand for people without a medical background.
- Experience-Based Tips: Share practical health advice based on years of nursing experience.
- Non-Clinical Guidance: Offer general wellness tips that do not require active medical practice.
Nurses Corner (Continued)
Collaborative Efforts:
- Editorial Team: Work with the newsletter’s editorial team to fit the content into the available space and format.
- Regular Columns: Establish a regular column or section dedicated to health tips.
- Community Feedback: Encourage feedback from the community to tailor future content to their interests and needs.
By following these guidelines, both active and retired nurses can provide valuable health-related content to the church community responsibly and engagingly.
UMCCG Book Club
Discussion Engagement: The book club will actively engage in meaningful discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the reading material.
Faith Element: Selected books will often incorporate an element of faith, reflecting the club’s values and interests.
Inclusive Participation: All members are encouraged to contribute to the dialogue, ensuring a rich and inclusive exchange of perspectives.
Susanna Wesley Women’s Group (SWWG)
The Susanna Wesley Women’s Group (SWWG) at the United Methodist Church of Casa Grande has established the following key points and requirements:
- Inaugural Meeting: The first meeting took place on January 10, 2024.
- Primary Purpose: The group’s main goal is to organize fundraisers to support the church’s three Lay Ministries: Nurture, Worship, and Outreach.
- Fundraising: Events throughout the year aim to raise funds to help these ministries grow both within the church and in the wider community.
- Meeting Schedule: The group convenes on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
- Open Invitation: All women are encouraged to participate and contribute to the group’s efforts.
Continued
- Updates: Regular updates and potential changes to the meeting schedule can be found on the monthly church calendar.
- Event Focus: Emphasis is placed on creating enjoyable events that will benefit the church community and bolster the ministries.
- Sign-Up: Interested individuals can sign up in the narthex of the Church.
- Contact Information: For further details, Kay can be reached at (602) 690-3998, or Angie at the church office at (520) 836-8630.
These points highlight the SWWG’s commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting the church’s mission through enjoyable and meaningful activities.