Congregational Care
The Ministry of Congregational Care at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park provides a variety of opportunities to help each other through life's struggles, as we “bear one another's burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and “love each other as Christ has loved us.” (John 15:12). Please contact Rev. Gary Rideout for more information.
Care Team Ministry
The heart of Caring Ministries is our Care Team Ministry. A Care Team is a group of dedicated, compassionate and trained lay persons, led by a Care Team Leader, who serve together in striving to meet the needs of a group of individuals in our church or in the community who have been identified as needing special attention. Working together, each team can be a source of care for whatever needs their care receivers may have, whether it be practical support such as providing transportation, serving meals or running errands; emotional support such as visitation and phone calls; and spiritual support, including offering communion to those who are homebound. A care team becomes an extended family for those in their group.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are people trained to help provide Christian care and support by lending a listening ear and a caring heart to those journeying through life's struggles.Intercessory Prayer Group
A group of intercessors pray for concerns that we receive at the church.Lay Home Visitors
Trained lay visitors make regular home visits to nurture a relationship with a person that needs special attention or is homebound.Lay Hospital Visitors
Being in the hospital can be a difficult and distressing time. These trained lay visitors express the grace and comfort of Jesus Christ by visiting those who are in the hospital.Meal Ministry
People prepare and send meals to those who need short-term assistance for various reasons, such as a new baby, recent surgery, etc.Sunday Morning Transportation Ministry
Bus transportation to and from church is provided by volunteer drivers who go to the various retirement centers in the area.Pet Loss Resources
A collection of resources for those experiencing grief over the loss of their pet.Shepherd's Hope
Through the combined efforts of volunteer physicians and other health-care professionals, schools, hospitals, and churches, Shepherd's Hope Health Centers are able to provide quality, non-emergency medical care to those in need. Health professionals are always needed, but if you are over 18, there is a job for you. Orientations for new volunteers are scheduled on a regular basis. Please contact Cherrie Langston, manager of Hungerford Clinic, by email or Rev. Gary Rideout by email or calling the church (407-644-2906). Serve on Thursday nights from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Hungerford Clinic, located at 100 East Kennedy Avenue in Eatonville.Other Care Ministries
The ministries of the church also regularly offer support groups for mothers, single parents, and those who are grieving and sponsors enrichment programs on topics such as marriage, relationships, and parenting.