Care of Members
At Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church, we're a "community of believers," and as a community, we care for our members and those who are hurting.
Crochet Group
The blankets and lap robes crocheted by this group have gone to First Steps, Hill District, a pediatric clinic in the Allentown/Beltzhoover section of the city, Beth-el Farm Worker’s Ministry in Florida, Bundle of Joy Project on Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, Veterans of Southwest Pennsylvania, and the Masons as an outreach of love. The group typically meets on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm September through May and once a month in the summer. Contact is Debbie Grimaldi.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is our congregation’s one-to-one care-giving ministry. Stephen ministers are trained Christian caregivers who walk with an individual while he or she passes through a rough period in life. Each Stephen minister has received 50 hours of training and has support and guidance from biweekly peer group meetings. Stephen ministers spend about an hour a week to meet with a care receiver, to be there for him or her, and to listen. We don’t provide solutions to problems – we leave that to God. What we DO provide is a “safe place” for a suffering individual – a reliable, nonjudgmental friend, a skilled and empathetic listener – all in complete confidentiality. NPC Stephen ministers try to follow that new commandment Jesus gave us. Bad things sometimes happen to good people, and we can all look back on times when we were glad that someone was there for us. We cannot understand why God allows pain to enter people’s lives, but we can imitate His love and care. This is a central tenet of the Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers care for people who are grieving, in a crisis, experiencing aging difficulties, divorcing, hospitalized, dying, or experiencing job loss.
Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, explore feelings, pray, share Christ’s love, maintain Confidentiality, attend to the care giving process and leave the cure-giving to God.
Blessed Piecemakers Quilters
Members of the "Blessed Piecemakers" at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church meets every other Friday to spend some time quilting with friends. This is a group has created beautiful, colorful quilts for Project Linus who distributes the quilts to needy children in shelters and hospitals in the local area. The "Piecemakers" meet the second and fourth Frdiay of the month. The contact is Dodie Hagan.
The quilters have recently been creating cancer treatment quilts. Approximately 48" square, the quilts will comfort folks getting chemo treatments in a local hospital & may be taken home after the first visit, an outward sign that we care for them on this tough section of the journey. They are inspired by group member Sandy Pajak who is being treated for the second time. They also are making port packs to protect from seat belt discomfort. Donated cotton fabric was used, and quilters used personal supplies like thread & machines as well.
Prayer Chain
The NPC Prayer Chain is group of individuals who pray for prayer requests either received by the church office, pastors, or on-line request.
To make an online prayer request click here.
Welfare of the Congregation
Care of Members provides for the welfare of the congregation by offering Automated External Defibrillator (AED) maintenance and training for the AED located in the Narthex. Care of Members also maintains the First Aid Kits located in the Church Office, Fellowship Hall Kitchen, and ARC Lounge
Stitch & Share
A small group meets the second Thursday of the month. They quilt, knit, or stitch and are willing to help those interested in learning. They meet from 7pm – 9pm. in room 204 of the Education Wing. The contact is Susie Siegel.
Golden Seniors Luncheon
Each spring and fall the Care of Members Ministry and the Deacons sponsor a luncheon for the "Golden Seniors" of the church. Our members join together for a sandwich, salad and dessert luncheon with fine fellowship and lovely music.
Women's Fall Breakfast
This breakfast is usually held on a fall Saturday and is open
to all women of the church and their female guests.
Brunches between Worship Services
The COM ministry usually holds a continental style New Year's brunch and Easter brunch each year open to the congregation.
Caroling for Home-bound Members
Each December members meet at the church and have the opportunity to spread some holiday cheer to members of our congregation who are home-bound. This holiday event is truly appreciated by the people we visit. Not only are the traditional carols sung to our home-bound members but gifts of cookies are delivered.
Emergency Meals Program
Throughout the year, the NPC emergency meal team prepares and delivers a meal to members who have experienced a loss, are recovering from illness or surgery or who have had a new baby. The member is contacted ahead of time to see if a meal is desired and when would be the best time to deliver it. Karen Brock coordinates the volunteer cooks for this effort.
Bereavement Meal Group
When a death occurs in our church family, the Bereavement Committee offers to prepare a reception, luncheon, or dinner for the family and friends of the deceased. This is a tangible way to show we care and provide sympathy to fellow members.
Memorial Gift Administration
When Memorial Gifts are made to NPC, the Care of Members Ministry (COM) periodically updates the Memorial Gift Book with the gift made. Memorial Gift Book is located in the Narthex in the stand between the doors to the Sanctuary.
Periodically COM requests Session members to create wish lists. Then COM prioritizes the wish lists and takes that back to Session for approval. The family is then asked if they approve the use of the gift for a particular item. After session and family approval, an acknowledgement of the gift is sent to the giver by COM and the family is then notified of the gift's use.
