CONGREGATIONAL CARE

All encouragement and support groups offered at DUMC are Christ-centered.  These groups are open to members of our congregation as well as members of the community.  Childcare is provided by request for most group meetings.

NOTE: Not all groups are on-going. 

Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care (704-947-0612). 

Encouragement Groups

Marriage Ministry offers a variety of groups targeting various stages of marriage, including engagement, the early years, the later years, tuning up marriages, dealing with children, blended families, intimacy, surviving marital crises, and groups for just wives/husbands.  Contact: Doug and Nancy Young (704-987-9867).

Parenting Groups meet periodically and can include: “The Power of a Positive Mom,” “Love Languages of Children,” “Single Parenting,” “Parenting Teens,” etc.  Watch The Dove for details of upcoming groups.  Contact Francis Dawson (704-655-2740) or Stacey Kern (704-896-0380).

Renewal Groups meet periodically for book studies related to enriching and renewing ones spiritual life.  Watch The Dove for details of upcoming groups.

Support Groups

Al-Anon - A support group for family and friends of alcoholics, meets in Room 220 on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Contact: Judy (704-655-0123).

Alzheimers – Meets the third Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Congregational Care House (262 South Street, with parking available at the church).  Contact: Theresa Hoover (704-532-7392).

Alcoholics Anonymous - Women meet each Monday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Congregational Care House (262 South Street, with parking available at the church). Contact: the church office (704-892-8277).

Alcoholics Anonymous - Men meet each Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. in Room 220 and Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in the Congregational Care House (262 South Street, with parking available at the church). Contact: the church office (704-892-8277).

Caring for Aging Parents - If you are caring for an elderly parent, you understand how demanding that can be not only of your time, but also of your spirit.  This group offers support from others going through similar circumstances, guest speakers, etc., and a safe place to talk about feelings that arise when one is caregiver, tools to help in coping, and in finding God’s strength and presence in your life.  Contact: Shari Johnson (704-237-3256).

MS/Fibromyalgia/Lupus Support Group – meets the third Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in Room 216.  Contact: Susie Phillips (704-892-5569).

Depression and Anxiety - Groups begin periodically. They are formatted around a book study, discussion, and guest speakers. Watch The Dove for details of upcoming groups.

Elder Care - There is a variety of support offered to the more senior members of our congregation, and volunteers are always encouraged to help in this area of ministry. We offer: transportation to doctor appointments; bus transportation to and from church; light home, auto, and yard work; support for those families dealing with Alzheimers; and “Adopt An Elder” through Love, INC, which provides visits on a regular basis using a team approach.  Also, Stephen Ministers take communion once a month to those who request it.  Contact: Karen Gray (704-947-0612).

Grief Support Group - If you are experiencing the death of a loved one, this 10-week support group is designed to help you work through those difficult steps of “Understanding Grief and Helping Yourself Heal.”  Using Alan Wolfet’s book by the same title, along with discussion and support from each other, we will begin the journey. This group begins in October and continues through the holiday season, usually a most difficult time of the year.  Watch The Dove for details.

Kids Path – Grief support for children.  A 6-week group is often scheduled in conjunction with the adult’s Grief Support Group above.  Contact: Weezie Ainsworth (704-987-1614).

Infertility Support Group – Groups begin periodically to deal with the emotional and spiritual effects that infertility has on individuals and the couple through discussion, books, guest speakers, etc.

NetWORK provides support to those who have lost their jobs and are looking for a new one and also to those who are seeking a career transition. It operates as a spiritual community of Christian caring while providing tools and techniques for effective job search. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.in Room 216/218. Contact: Dick Brenner.

Now What? Grief After the First Year – Meets the second Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Congregational Care House (262 South Street, with parking available at the church).  Contact: Janet McKee (704-895-6041) or Bryan Readling (704-892-4239).

Relationship Groups - God calls us to be in relationship with Him, and from that relationship we can build healthy relationships with each other.  A variety of groups are offered throughout the year.  Watch The Dove for details of upcoming groups. 

Separation and Divorce Support Group - If you are experiencing separation or divorce, you can be encouraged that help and support will be found through this ministry.  By using both Christian and secular resources, discussion, and the encouragement of each other, the pain of this experience can be lessened. Watch The Dove for upcoming class details.  Contact: Mark and Gayle Olenik (704-896-2796).

Divorce Care 4 Kids (DC4K) – A 13-week session is offered twice a year for children ages 5-12. This course will: help children process and better cope with the changes in their family and their feelings about these changes; communicate these feelings and their needs more effectively within the family; and recognize God’s loving presence in their lives in difficult times.  Watch The Dove for details of upcoming sessions.  Contact: Robin Bradley (704-895-0686).

Wellness Support Group - If you or a family member is coping with illness, this group offers encouragement from others experiencing common struggles of faith, anger, depression, etc.  Through discussion, guest speakers, fellowship, and prayer, our goal for all who participate is to come away with hope, purpose and a deeper faith in Christ.  This group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Congregational Care House (262 South Street, with parking available at the church).  Contact: Joe Heaton (704-948-6195).