“Love one another as I have loved you.”
National UMC's Congregational Care Ministry offers loving support and healing to all in our church family experiencing a time of need. This committed team provides timely and sympathetic care and comfort to members, their family and friends. It also sponsors holistic programs that encourage wellness and illness prevention. The ministry both recruits volunteers and actively identifies all those requiring assistance. Targeted recruitment occurs through the fall stewardship campaign and new member orientation programs. These activities empower both giver and receiver in a spirit of harmony and spiritual growth. This ministry follows Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) with attentiveness, kindness and compassion.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain team prays daily for persons with special concerns. This ministry supports those facing illness, bereavement, family crisis or other difficulties. Anyone may add their confidential requests by contacting one of Nationl UMC’s ministers, submitting a prayer concern below, or by completing a prayer request card available in the pews on Sunday morning (for deposit in the offering plate or church office).
To learn more, contact Pastoral Care Assistant Dona Collary.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a lay support for persons seeking a caring presence in the midst of difficult times. Stephen Ministers undergo fifty hours of training in one-to-one care for the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed or others in crisis. People in need receive Christ-centered, confidential care for as long as necessary. The lay caregivers discover and cultivate their spiritual gifts under the supervision of our ordained ministers. This ministry centers on listening and prayer. It is not psychotherapy but rather a shared journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being. To train as a Stephen Minister or to request the support of one, please contact Pastoral Care Assistant Dona Collary.
Visitor Corps
The Visitor Corps is on hold to limit the spread of COVID-19
As a community of followers of Jesus Christ, the Visitor Corps seeks to live out the commandment "that you love one another as I have loved you" by visiting persons within the National UMC community who are homebound, in nursing homes, or experience social or spiritual isolation. It is our belief that the ministry of presence that we provide and lift a person spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, strengthening their relationship with this church and with God. To join the team or request a visit, contact Pastoral Care Assistant Dona Collary.
Understanding that additional support is often helpful when we experience transitions, our Life Transitions team provide educational forums several times a year on Sundays from 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm in the Great Hall. Lunch is provided. Topics include aspects of Creative Aging, Chronic Illness/Caregiving, and End-of-Life/Bereavement.
END OF LIFE / BEREaVeMENT MINISTRY
Family or friends may inscribe the name of a loved one into National UMC’s Book of Departed Saints that is lifted in prayer every year during All Saints Sunday worship. The sacred ritual of writing the names of those deceased can offer comfort during times of grief. For more information, contact Pastoral Care Assistant, Dona Collary.
Life Transitions
The Prayer Shawl Ministry team knits and crochets shawls and baby blankets in lively fellowship and prayer for those needing comfort and a reminder of God’s love. Both new and experienced needle crafters are welcome to join this team of caring hearts and busy fingers happy to teach newcomers. The team typically has someone present each shawl on behalf of our congregation in a ritual of wrapping it around the receiver while offering a prayer for God’s presence. The group meets at the church once a month on the third Sunday (12:30pm) and ends each session by praying over completed items. Contact Barbara Tate for more information or to get involved.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
AARP
Join us on the third Monday of each month at 12:30 pm for lunch followed by presentation at 1pm. The cost is $10.00 per person. Meetings are held March through June and September through December. Regular meetings begin at 12:30; luncheons in June and December begin at noon. Please contact Bobby Turnbull at (301) 320-4154 for more information. Check the event calendar for monthly speaker information and other details.
GENTLE YOGA
All are welcome to join our weekly gentle yoga practice, held Thursdays from 4 to 5:15pm in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Memorial Campus. We practice standing, seated, and reclining yoga poses, breath awareness exercises, and meditative relaxation techniques. Please bring your own yoga mat. Cost is $10 for those 65 and older, and $15 for everyone else. To register, contact Cathryn Ellen Pethick or (301) 946-7045.
Total Body Workout
Come join us for a total body workout, held Wednesdays at 9:30 in the Vestry of the Metropolitan Memorial Campus. Cost is $10 per class. To register, contact Carolyn Gichner or (202) 362-4393.
Wellness Practices
Come join our book club! All readers are invited to our monthly discussion of fiction or non-fiction books. This book club has been active for many years because the members enjoy discussing books that inspire, teach, or just make us sit up and take notice. We happen to enjoy one another's company too!
We meet the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Parlor of the Metropolitan Memorial Campus. Contacts Suzanne Clewell or Joan Topalian.