Stephen Ministry

This is a one-to-one, confidential care-giving ministry to those experiencing difficulties or life changes.  Lay members of Ocala West UMC receive over 50 hours of initial training before being commissioned to offer spiritual and emotional care. Stephen Ministers commit to attend supervision and continuing education twice a month.

Silver Saints Respite Care

This ministry provides supervision from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm every Tuesday for adults who receive care in their home, 24/7 due to a chronic illness. Family members transport their loved one to the church where they are received with a warm welcome by caring volunteers. While in this safe environment, care receivers participate in a choice of activities; card games, board games, bingo, puzzles, coloring, age related exercise, and singing of “Oldies” and hymns.  Light refreshments are provided.

Our lay volunteers have been trained and clearances completed prior to serving in this care ministry.

An application must be completed and an interview with the care receiver is required prior to acceptance into this program. This care ministry is open to members of Ocala West UMC and non-member residents of Ocala. There is no fee for this ministry but donations made to Ocala West Silver Saints Ministry are accepted.
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If you would like additional information or an application, contact Reverend Drena Miller, Director of Congregational Care at dmiller@ocalawestumc.com or by phone at 352-854-9550.

Congregational Care Ministers

Our Congregational Care Ministers provides a ministry of presence for Ocala West members and regular attenders who are in hospitals, hospice, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or are confined to their own homes; helping them stay connected to the church and to be a reminder of God’s love.

Grief Share

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring lay people who have experienced loss and grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead.

The seminar is 13 weeks in length and is offered several times each year.    Anyone who has experienced a recent loss or still grieves a past loss, will find at GriefShare others who have the same emotions, questions and fears.  Here you will hear practical suggestions to help you adjust to your new normal. You will also find comforting scriptures where you will find hope.

Join us Monday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gathering Place located to the right of the sanctuary, in building #1.  For additional information, contact Tina McKinley, Group Facilitator, at 407-432-0164 or Rev. Drena at dmiller@ocalawestumc.com.

Intercessory Prayer Team

Our prayer ministry teamis committed to prayer for the urgent needs of our church family and other loved ones because we believe there is power in prayer. An important part of our Ocala West community is the coming together in prayer, whether that is in person or spiritually by intercession.
Prayer requests are submitted on prayer request cards each Sunday and are prayed over in our church, every Monday morning, by our Intercessory Prayer Team.  If information is given, our team contacts the person submitting the request to let them know their need has been prayed for.  Prayer requests are also accepted electronically and covered with prayer throughout the week.

Home / Facility Bound Communion

Ocala West UMC members who are homebound and no longer able to attend church worship services receive communion at home on the first Sunday of each month or the week following, from a dedicated team of Homebound Communion volunteers. These volunteers are much like Communion Assistants in worship services, only they are sent out to bring God’s Meal to those who cannot make it to church.
If you or a member you know be included on the list to receive communion, contact the church office at 352-854-9550 or Rev. Drena at dmiller@ocalawestumc.com.

Telecare Ministry

The Telecare Ministry is a layperson phone ministry that provides support to members of our church family. When members are absent for several weeks, calls are made on behalf of the pastoral staff, which enables the pastors to become aware of any life changes, illness, or to receive assurance that all is well. Callers will not ask for time or money but will simply let you know they care about you. They may ask how things are going, if there are prayer concerns, or if there are questions or comments to be passed on to Ocala West pastors.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The purpose of a prayer shawl is to offer someone a tangible example of God’s love and care. These shawls, along with lap robes, walker caddies and clothing protectors are made with prayer and given to members and friends.  If you knit, crochet or sew and would like to help others feels God’s presence and love in their time of need, please contact the church office at 352-854-9550.

Born Again Beads

Born Again Bead gift bags with hand-beaded Soncatchers and inspirational message have lifted the spirits of over 1,000 people since the ministry began. Gifts bags are given to first time visitors, patients in health care facilities, and are given to cancer patients in chemo kits.
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The Soncatchers are made from recycled costume jewelry, graciously donated by our congregation. No experience is necessary to become a part of this ministry group that meets the first and third Fridays from 1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M. in Room 203.