Cancer Support Ministry
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
Patients and Families
Welcome to the Cancer Support Ministry. This newly developed ministry has been prayerfully created to serve our church families who are dealing with cancer. The Cancer Support Ministry brings all the resources of this incredible church into a faith-filled and task-oriented ministry.
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer and needs help, the Cancer Support Ministry will be on hand to take care of spiritual and practical needs. We want to be God’s arms, wrapped around each family, armoring them with the tools, support and love they need to weather this storm. As we gather volunteers and expand our services, the CSM will grow into a garden of possibilities.
Cancer patients and their families have told us that they need three kinds of help and support from their faith community: Spiritual Support, Information, and Practical Help.
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
Intercessory Prayer
For over 20 years members of the Guild of Intercessors have prayed daily for those in need of healing and help. While they answer any prayer request they receive, they also maintain a list of cancer patients who need special prayers.
Contact: Paula Peterson (252-1310 / mandppeterson@msn.com)
Stephen Ministers
First Church is a Stephen Ministry congregation with over 25 lay ministers who serve as Christian friends who walk with members through their difficulties. These lay ministers are here to walk one-on-one with members who are patients or with members of their families during a bout with cancer
Contact Stephen Leader: Barbara Sanders (494-3879)
Hospital Visits
Each day of the week, the Pastors, Deacons and Volunteer Chaplains of First Church visit members who have been hospitalized, whether for surgery or treatments. During their brief visits, they share scripture readings and prayer with patients and their families.
Contact Sara Studenmund (Pastoral Care Office, 301-1039) to be placed on the hospital list for visitation
Calls
One goal of the Visitation Ministry at First Church is to maintain contact with members who are suffering from long-term illnesses. The community of Telecare Callers connect with patients after their hospital stays, to ask about treatments and ask about needs
Contact: Sherye Mays (sherry@maysco.com)
INFORMATION
FPC is building a library of resources and information for patients and families. Some materials are in the Kirkland Resource Centers and others are available in the Pastoral Care Office.
FPC records the Sunday worship services and makes CDs available. The CSM is also preparing CDs of spiritual music for cancer patients.
Contacts: Call Sara Studenmund (301-1039) for more information.
For help or more information, please contact Rev. Rick Davis, 918-301-1040, rdavis@firstchurchtulsa.org or Sara Studenmund, 918-301-1039, sstudenmund@firstchurchtulsa.org