Caring Ministries
Need a community to journey alongside you during life’s challenging seasons?
That is what the Caring Ministries of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church exist to do.
Find opportunities to connect with others going through similar circumstances, community to pray alongside you, and tangible assistance for your needs. If you or someone you love is in need of care, please reach out to connect.
Need Prayer?
Caring Ministries at FVUMC
Prayer Team
The FVUMC Prayer Team takes intentional time to pray for people in the church family and outside of the congregation. Prayer may lift up illnesses, upcoming surgeries, loss of loved ones, and other difficult life circumstances.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Stephen Ministers provide care on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support.
Griefshare
GriefShare is a seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by people who have experienced grief and want to offer comfort and encouragement to those who are grieving. GriefShare features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. FVUMC hosts GriefShare sessions periodically throughout the year.
Caregiving Support Group
The Caregiving Support Group includes participants actively caring for a spouse or other family member as well as those who no longer provide direct care but share the wisdom gained on their caregiving journey with the group. This group focuses on actively listening to each other to provide spiritual support, encouragement, problem solving, presence, and prayer for each other. The Caregiving Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am via Zoom.
Caring for Parents Support Group
The Caring for Parents Support Group is for individuals who are caring for or preparing to care for their parents. This group offers participants encouragement, love, and support that helps each other carry the blessings and challenges of caregiving. The Caring for Parents Support Group meets on occasional Thursdays in-person and via Zoom.
Men’s Health Support Group
The FVUMC Men’s Health Support Group provides a place where men can confidentially and prayerfully discuss health related issues. This group provides support during our twice monthly meetings by fostering relationships and encouraging one one another. The group meets periodically on Sundays.
Meal Train Team
The Meal Train Team shares the love of God with the FVUMC congregation by providing meals to individuals and families experiencing a challenging season. Meals are made and delivered directly to the recipient’s home on selected dates.
Women’s Cancer Support Group
The Joy Support Group is for any woman who has ever heard the words “You have cancer”, no matter their age. This group meets twice a month to share experiences, and learn what it means to embrace life and our faith with joy after a cancer diagnosis.
Visitation Team
The Visitation Team makes monthly visits to those who may be homebound or unable to attend worship services and others who benefit from seeing a friendly face! Each month, Visitation Team members connect one-on-one through visits, phone calls, or cards.
Card Ministry
The card ministry creates and sends mail to provide encouragement to individuals on the church prayer list, welcome new members, celebrate birthdays of FVUMC’s most senior members (90+), and share sympathy following the death of a family member.
Driving Team
The FVUMC Driving Team ministry helps individuals in our community with transportation needs to access worship services, ministry opportunities, and necessary appointments.
Helping Hands
During times of bereavement Helping Hands provides a meal for the family of a deceased church member. The family of the deceased can request a meal when making funeral arrangements with a FVUMC pastor.
Interested in volunteering with a Caring Ministry?
We're excited for you to join a team! Please reach out with your interest, and we will look forward to getting in touch.
Community Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. An AA group meets at FVUMC on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00pm.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Dementia Caregiver Support Group coordinated through the Dementia Alliance of NC is a safe space to find support from others who understand the unique challenges of caring for a loved one living with Dementia. It is a support group of shared experiences, encouragement, acceptance, learning coping strategies, building connections and finding strength in community. This group meets at FVUMC on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30pm.
Parkinson's Support
FirstLight Home Care of Apex partners with the NC Parkinson’s Foundation for a monthly group is designed to provide education, support, resources, and fellowship for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease as well as their caregivers. Meetings are at the FV Community Center at Hilltop Needmore Park. Follow their Facebook group for the meeting schedule.
DivorceCare
DivorceCare is a safe place where caring people come alongside you as you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. FVUMC does not currently host DivorceCare sessions at the church, but you can search the DivorceCare website for groups meeting in the area.
FACES
FACES offers emergency financial assistance for utility bills to individuals in Fuquay-Varina and Willow Springs. FACES offers programs and services without discrimination on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Visit their website for support info and ways to volunteer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a prayer request?
You can complete our Online Prayer Request form. Every request is confidential and prayed over by the pastoral team.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministers are trained laypeople who meet weekly with individuals experiencing difficulties to offer confidential Christian care, prayer, and encouragement.
Can I volunteer to serve?
Yes! All Caring Ministries have volunteer opportunities available. Email Pastor Melanie at associatepastor@fvumc.org to learn more about current volunteer needs and training.
What is GriefShare?
It’s a support group for people experiencing grief that offers biblical teaching on grief and recovery, hosted periodically at FVUMC.
What is the Columbarium?
Our Columbarium is a peaceful memorial garden offering a resting place for the cremated remains of loved ones and a place of reflection for families. For more information, email info@fvumc.org.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
At FVUMC, care and support are not just ministries—they’re part of who we are as the body of Christ. We understand loss, caregiving, and hardship can leave you weary.
But you don’t have to walk alone. Our care teams, prayer ministries, and trained caregivers are ready to meet you with compassion and hope. Let us walk with you toward God’s healing presence.