First Cary Cares is made up of all kinds of people with all kinds of gifts and backgrounds — if you need care and support or know of someone in the congregation who does, please reach out to Rev. Kristyl Kepley, Pastor of Care and Connection, 919-467-1861, ext. 216.
View our Joys and Concerns List.
Submit a prayer request here.
Interested in Serving in First Cary’s Care Ministry?
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Frederick Buechner
What comes naturally to you? Where is your deep gladness? Aren’t sure? We are eager to help you find Care Ministry opportunities that feed your soul.
See what God may be calling you toward. These gifts enliven and inspire us when we deploy them in God’s kingdom – we look forward to working with you to explore your needs, your ideas, and your dreams for First Cary.
Care Ministry Team
Leader: Kristyl Kepley
The cornerstone of First Cary Cares is our Care Ministry Team—who reflect the love and compassion of Christ to our church family. Sometimes this looks like monthly visits to an older member who just can’t get out like they used to. Sometimes it is a series of visits as someone receives a diagnosis and awaits surgery. Sometimes it is as simple as a phone call. Sometimes meeting is just an opportunity to talk, laugh, and reminisce; sometimes the focus is prayer; sometimes we share Holy Communion. If you enjoy listening to others and offering a shoulder to lean on, Care Ministry may be a beautiful way for you to be a part of First Cary Cares! Reach out to Kristyl for more information about the program.
Prayer Collective
The Prayer Collective at First Cary is made up of people who are committed to intercessory prayer. We come each week to the prayer chapel and pray over the many requests on the hearts of our community. We invite you to share your requests with us, come and pray with us after worship on the First Sunday of the month, or—if you feel a sacred calling to intervene before God on behalf of this church community—join us!
Card Ministry Team
Leaders: Angela French and Kim Strong
Since 2018, First Cary’s Card Ministry Team has been reaching out to church family and friends with words of support and care. We regularly send cards to those who are no longer able to physically be at church, those on the prayer list, or those who’ve gone off to school. We also send handmade condolence cards, new baby congratulations cards, welcome cards for new members, and notes of gratitude to people throughout the church who volunteer that gifts and their time to serve in our various ministries. You can choose to send as many or as few cards as you would like.
Peace Meals
Leader: Dana Cassell
Being the hands and feet of Christ sometimes looks like showing up with a homemade meal. After a medical procedure, the loss of a loved one, a prolonged illness, or the joy of welcoming a new baby, the good cooks at First Cary arrange to bring meals. We offer meals when it fits into our schedule, and we gather a few times a year for a pot luck—where we share recipes, good food, and Christian friendship.
Limited Mobility Ministry
Leaders: Karen and Gary Mumma
First Cary is a large church with a long history, and it is important to us that everyone who wants to worship with us can. We try to make accessing the Sanctuary easier every Sunday morning by reserving many of the parking spaces along Wald Street for those with Limited Mobility. Likewise, we aim to ensure that anyone who needs a ride to church can get one. If accessibility is important to you, we’d love to have you on our team!
Bereavement Ministry
Leaders: Anne Huffman and Nina McSherry
Our Bereavement Ministry Team works alongside our Congregational Care Associate to provide a funeral and reception that allows a family space to grieve, remember and celebrate. Seeing to the compassionate care of those in the midst of loss is a holy calling that happens almost entirely behind the scenes. We welcome those with gifts of gentle hospitality to share in this life-giving ministry with us.
Cancer Support Ministry
Our Mission: Provide a faith-based support community for anyone impacted by cancer within our First Cary family. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating life after treatment, or caring for someone on the journey, this group offers a place of faith, compassion, and community where we can find strength in fellowship. We invite anyone impacted by cancer to join us the first Tuesday of each month. Learn more.
Hearts and Hammers
Leader: Mike Bailey
Hearts & Hammers has a simple mission–to provide household maintenance and repair for those members of our church community in need. You can learn more here.
GriefShare
Leaders: MaryClair Hashagen and Bob Misenheimer
Grieving the loss of someone you love is one of the most painful events we face in life. The death of a family member or dear friend can be devastating; and while the pain and emptiness may be expected, it is often the unforeseen pitfalls of grief that are most overwhelming.
At First Cary, we find our hope in Christ, even in the midst of grief; therefore, we are delighted to offer GriefShare–a 13-week program designed to encourage healing by walking with others that are also grieving. Each week addresses a different topic related to grief, healing, finding a “new normal,” or looking to the future. You can join at any time during the series, and can pick up any missed sessions in the next series of sessions.
If you have lost a loved one, we encourage you to join us for Griefshare.
Spring/Fall sessions, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
More Information Here
Addiction Recovery Movement
Leader: Bob Umstead
Online, Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
More Information Here