To cARE

What does it mean to care?

The word care traces its origin in the word chara, which means “to lament, to grieve, to participate in suffering, to share in pain.”
​
With that in mind, to care is to cry out with those who are sick, confused, lonely, isolated, and forgotten.

---

​To care is to recognize the pains of the other within our own hearts. 

To care is to not just walk beside but also to enter into the world of the other. 

To care is to be present to those who suffer and to stay present even when (especially when) nothing can be done to change their situation. 

To care is to be compassionate, and that compassion forms a community of people honestly facing the painful reality of our finite existence together. 

To care is the most human gesture. 

Our congregation has a group of people skilled in caring for those facing challenges in their lives. These people, called Stephen Ministers, have undergone extensive training (50 hours of training) to develop and nurture their caring skills. 

Each and every one of our Stephen Ministers embody the word care in everything they do. 

Each of us has times when we are lonely, grieving, hurt, or in need of care. Stephen Ministers are ready to walk with you during these times. If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry, please reach out (phone, email, or just stop by) or flag me down on a Sunday morning. 

Peace, 

Travis Segar, Pastor for Care & Community