Caregiving Ministry
The caregiving ministry at Payson UMC is involved in crisis ministries, such as visiting grieving families, and in ministry to persons who are unable to attend worship at church due to temporary or long-term illnesses or injuries. Our caregivers share a ministry of caring one-on-one with people in times of need and in times of joy, and show their faith by responding to others with care-giving love and service. The primary purpose of the caregiving ministries is to help persons remain connected with the church body, especially when they are hurting from grief or no longer physically able to participate with the church. Our people write cards, make phone calls, and stop in to visit with other persons from our congregation to pray, share the gospel message through devotional or Bible readings, share life events with those being visited, and to pray together. Our visits are also a time to listen. We listen to the concerns and to the faith stories each person shares as they move through the difficult times. Some of our volunteers are able to help with some errands or transportation. Our goal is to ensure each person knows they are valued and have friends in the church. The caregiving ministry is an outreach of the pastor and the Parish Nurse to help meet the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of our congregation.
Parish Nurse
The Parish Nurse is available to check in on members of the parish and offer reliable health advice and visit persons as a part of our Health and Caring Ministries. A Parish Nurse is a professional registered nurse, actively licensed by the state of Arizona, who serves as a member of the staff of a faith community. As a Registered Nurse, the Parish Nurse maintains current information to assist with understanding prescriptions, exercise, nutrition, and health matters. Our Parish Nurse provides a caring and compassionate presence through a unique blend of the following functions:
- Health Educator, Personal Health Counselor
- Health Advocate, Referral Agent
- Integrator of Faith and Health
- Support Group Developer
