CARE & PRAYER
WE, WHO ARE MANY, ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST, AND INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER. ROMANS 12:5
At First Presbyterian we desire to love one another and our world, through mutual support, encouragement, and service in times of need. Our care is a reflection of God’s care for his people.
REJOICE IN HOPE, BE PATIENT IN SUFFERING,
PERSEVERE IN PRAYER. ROMANS 12:15
Everyone needs help sometimes. We all need God’s help all the time! At FPC we believe in the power of prayer, and have seen lives changed countless times as a result. Some church members pray daily for the prayer chain requests that show up in email inboxes; some gather weekly to pray at the church building.
If you need prayer, or if you would like others to join you in praying for a loved one, please get in touch. All prayer requests are held in confidence by our Deacon’s Prayer Chain. You can submit a request online, leave a message on the Deacons' Prayer Line, 509-747-1050, or contact the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Pastor Betsy Wynne at 509-747-1058 x253.
There is always a member of the Prayer Team available to pray with you following each Sunday worship service in our dedicated Prayer Room, just off the sanctuary (south side). This lovely room was previously a coat closet—refurbished with a generous gift in memory of Ruth Thompson, so we think of it as our prayer closet! (See Matthew 6:6.)
To subscribe to the Deacon’s Daily Prayer Chain emails, please email Erin.
Your Current Deacons at FPC
Your Deacons
The Deacons of First Presbyterian Church are “a shared ministry of compassion, witness and service, for the total well-being of the people of God.”
Deacons pray for the needs of the church, call and visit the isolated and lonely, and connect those in need to a broad range of care resources.
Contact the deacons through their dedicated prayer line, 509-747-1050, or submit a request online (see above form).
Class of 2022: Leanne Ager
Class of 2023: Vern Hopkins, Rachel Adams, Brad Hinch, Rand Masteller, Bev Masteller, Larry Billin, Marge Billin
Class of 2024: Shirley Vines, Steve Baird, Andy Wick, Erin Schwartz, Larry Mann, Carole Mann, Cynthia Geraghty
Stephen Ministry Partners
BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS, AND IN THIS WAY YOU WILL FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST. GALATIANS 6:2
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our church and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. This ministry has continued during the COVID pandemic and is available through telephone or safely distanced one on one visits.
A Stephen Minister is...
• a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• a congregation member with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve in this role
• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• a caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages (men with men; women with women)
• someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need
If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, if you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister, or if you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry, please talk with one of our Stephen Leaders. We anticipate offering another training session as soon as the COVID pandemic abates and we are able to gather safely in person again.
Stephen Leader Meredith Ericson (referrals coordinator) 630-209-3990
Pastor Betsy Wynne 509-747-1058 x253
Your Current Stephen Ministers at FPC
From Left, Back Row: Phil Salgado, Ned Beckman, Paul Dionne, Chad Pfeiffer (Continuing Education Coordinator), Dan Spivey, Dick Smith
From Left, Front Row: Meredith Ericson (Referrals Coordinator), Shirley Whittaker (Training Coordinator), Kandy Gore, Wendy Salgado, Kathy McLean, Mary Beth Baker-Pfeiffer (Continuing Education Coordinator), Fran Lowry
Not Pictured: Karla Anderson, Gini Hinch, Mary Frankhauser, Alock Nyigow, Betsy Wynne (Supervision Coordinator)
ENGAGING PASTORAL COUNSELING FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES AND FAMILIES
Gary Steeves, MEd, LMHC is a STB Pastoral Counselor Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Gary works with families, individuals, marriage & couples, and teletherapy during the pandemic. Gary is a member of the counseling service Samaritan Center of Puget Sound. He accepts a range of insurance plans. Gary is available by phone at 206-957-4707 or GSteeves@Samaritanps.org.
Sean Eagon, MA, LMHCA, NCC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Sean offers individuals and teletherapy counseling at this time, and will practice at both First Pres and Opportunity Presbyterian Church in Spokane Valley when the Samaritan Center resumes in-person therapy. Contact Sean at 206-527-2273, Ext. 381, or SEagon@samaritanps.org. For more info see samaritanps.org/.
Meet In the Moment: Funerals & Grief Ministry
When someone we love has died, the emotions of sadness, confusion, anger or even relief can be overwhelming. A funeral or memorial service is a unique opportunity for survivors, to remember their loved one’s life and to hear again the Christian promise of life after death. The pastors and staff at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) consider it a great privilege to help families walk through the early days of loss.
Support Communities
Most support groups are not meeting during the COVID pandemic. Please contact Rev. Betsy Wynne for alternative forms of support, including other small groups, bereavement and caregiver support.
Grief Support
Alzheimer’s Care Givers Support Group
Email, Rev. Betsy Wynne, Pastor for Congregational Care, or call 509-747-1058.