Spiritual Guidance and Pastoral Care

Our faith calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. At Rock Spring, you are invited to bring your full self — your joys and challenges, the things that break your heart, the hopes that propel you forward. If you ever want to talk through life issues or questions of faith, our pastoral team is available to meet with you.

Rock Spring wants to be there for you when you’re experiencing an illness, hospitalization, or other life-event for which you, or someone you love, may need a visit. Rev. Kathy Dwyer, Rev. Laura Martin, and Ashley Martinage are all available for hospital visits and pastoral calls when the need arises. Rev. Laura Martin also supports those experiencing life transitions, looking for additional care for themselves or others, or seeking to connect to community resources.

Members of the church may also be able to offer you meal support or additional care. For more information, please contact Rev. Laura Martin.

Find Ways to Give and Receive Spiritual Care and Guidance

Prayer Circle

Every month, a group of Rock Springers receives an email containing the prayer concerns of our congregation. We hold those in need in our prayers – some of us while walking, or chopping vegetables, in silence before falling asleep, or throughout the day. This is a way that we maintain a living connection with each other, and with the One who made us.

Caring Ministry

We say that all are ministers: we are all invited to be part of caring ministry work at the church. You can prepare and deliver meals to members following surgery, illness, or after the birth of a new baby. You can help transport members to medical appointments, church, or errands. You can call members to check in. However you would like to engage in caring, there’s a way for you to connect!

Sacred Circles

Sacred Circles are small groups of 8-12 women who gather monthly for fellowship, learning, and support. Groups meet based on members’ needs and availability. These circles are based on the book Sacred Circles by Robin Deene Carnes and Sally Craig.

Here are suggested topics and resources that some circles have found particularly meaningful.

Men's Covenant Groups

Conversations about making-meaning. Laughing about old movies. Debating if there’s such a thing as a “just war.” Diving into further reflection on a sermon. All of these can be part of the dialogue at a Men’s Covenant Group. Men’s Covenant Groups are groups of around 8-10 men who meet monthly, either on Zoom or in-person, as conditions and preferences allow. The groups share in relationship-building from a place of trust and sharing. Currently there are three men’s covenant groups at Rock Spring, and new members are welcome.

Memorial Fellowship

Rock Spring is honored to help organize a modest reception for family and friends following a memorial service. Specific details are arranged based on each service’s unique plans. Hybrid (in-person and virtual) or online-only options are available.

Handmade Ministry

Knitters and crocheters gather to make prayer shawls for those in a time of need. Prayer shawls are delivered or mailed to members, relatives, and friends of the church as a visible sign of blessing. Handmade ministry gatherings are a time to talk, share, and make an active contribution to our ministries. Yarn, needles, and directions are available.

A brick church with a cross on its cupola

Stephen Ministry

Listening. Care. Empathy. Support. Confidentiality. Stephen Ministry is a national program centered around these attributes of care and attention. Stephen Ministers are church members who undergo more than 50 hours of training that equips them to offer care and accompaniment to others. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and generally meets with that person once a week for about an hour. Care receivers are individuals in the congregation who are experiencing a time of crisis or challenge. Potential care receivers first speak with a pastor, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister. This caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists. Rock Spring currently has two certified Stephen Leaders who offer training, and six members who are Stephen Ministers.

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