Northminster Presbyterian Church takes very seriously Jesus’ injunction, found in John 15:17, "This I command you, to love one another." We seek to minister to the needs of all members and friends of the church.

Regardless of whether these needs are the result of illness, loss, grief or unfortunate circumstances, Northminster wants to bring the comfort of Christian love to all those who are hurting.

Rev. John Cheek, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, makes calls at hospitals, hospices, care facilities and at homes, both in person and by telephone. Rev. Cheek, a long-time member of Northminster and a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, is a warm and nurturing representative of God’s love.

Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons conducts a ministry of outreach through its Pastoral Partners program and by maintaining the Deacon’s Closet, a supply of food which is available to the needy through a food distribution on Tuesday mornings. They also prepare gifts, flowers, and food boxes and fruit plates for distribution at holidays. The work of the Board of Deacons is supported by the special donations of the congregation, received four times per year.

Hospitals

It is the church’s desire to be made aware of those who are hospitalized or who anticipate a hospital stay, so that staff and volunteers may visit patients, be supportive of family, and be helpful in every way possible. The Prayer Chain is utilized, and cards are sent expressing the concern and prayers of the congregation.

Care Centers

Northminster, through its staff members, the Board of Deacons and volunteers, conducts a ministry to those who are in Nursing Care Centers. At special seasons of the Christian year, Deacons distribute gifts and plants. Also, a program of additional visitations exists to ensure that these persons are remembered by the whole church. In addition, appropriate cards are sent.

Homes

For those who are confined to their homes for indefinite periods, Northminster provides a pastoral care ministry. Through staff personnel, volunteers, and the Board of Deacons' Pastoral Partners program, these persons are kept aware of the church’s on-going activities and the church’s concern for their spiritual well-being. The Deacons distribute plants, gifts, and remembrances to these persons as well.

Prayer Chain

If you would like members of the Prayer Chain to be praying concerning a crisis involving you or one of your loved ones, simply contact us. The Prayer Chain members will be notified.

Special Prayer Requests

The weekly church bulletin contains a section where special prayer requests are provided to the congregation. If you are aware of a special prayer need, please call 327-7121, ext. 503.

The bulletin prayer categories are:

Celebrations of Joy (anniversaries, births, weddings, etc)
Military family or friends
Sick and/or hospitalized
Sympathy (death of a loved one)

Pastoral Partners

What is “Pastoral Partners?”
Pastoral Partners is a ministry in which members of the congregation are trained and equipped to provide encouragement and care to those who are shut-in or for some other reason would benefit from increased pastoral visitation. Each Pastoral Partner is assigned one to three members of the congregation as care-receivers.

What do Pastoral Partners do?
After receiving training, a Pastoral Partner commits to: pray for each individual in her/his care-receiver(s) on a daily basis; telephone each care-receiver at least twice per month; and visit each care-receiverat least once per month.

Why does Pastoral Partners exist?
We have this ministry simply because Jesus tells us that we need to minister to all those in the body, including those who, because of health or logistical problems, have a hard time participating in the fellowship of the congregation.