Caring Ministries
Pastoral Care
When you or another church member are hospitalized, have outpatient surgery, or experience a time of tragedy or crisis, your pastors and trained lay ministers want to be there for you. For our Pastoral Care ministry to be successful in serving the congregation, there must be an open flow of communication from church members to the Central UMC office. Please contact the church office or one of the pastors to let us know of your needs.
Many people reach a point in life when they are no longer able to come to church regularly, but they remain beloved members of our community. Please contact the church office if you or another church member is entering this phase of life and would like a visit. Trained lay visitors, Stephen Ministers, and our clergy work as a team to provide care.
The flowers from the altar at Sunday morning worship services are divided and taken to the homebound or hospitalized as an outreach ministry. This gift of visitation brings the church family into the homes of those who are no longer physically able to attend church. We are always looking for people to help in this ministry. Please contact the church office if you would like to assist.
Stephen Ministers
Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation and community who have received special training to provide one-to-one Christian care to people who are experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss, and many other life difficulties. Stephen Ministers listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The care you receive from a Stephen Minister is confidential and free. If you think you or a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative could benefit from such care, please contact Pastor Sigrid Mottram, 980.240.2370 or Irene Ward, 704.289.3186.
Todd R. Matson, DMin, LMFT
Dr. Matson is a North Carolina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Clinical Fellow in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He is also an ordained minister with 14 years of experience in parish ministry. He provides counseling to individuals, couples and families, adults, children and adolescents who are struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, abuse issues, self-image and self-esteem issues, guilt and shame issues, anger issues, marital and family conflicts, parenting issues, and life transitions. He can be reached at 704.375.5354, ext. 407, at 704.2423694, or email at tmatson@scgnc.org.
For more information, the Sanctuary Counseling Group website is www.sanctuarycounselinggroup.org, and Todd’s bio on Psychology Today is at www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/todd-matson-monroe-nc/445623. Both sites contain additional info about health insurance coverage for services provided, along with info about our fees, sliding scale, and Client Assistance Fund.
Groups Who Meet Here
Alcoholics Anonymous (www.charlotteaa.org) and Food Addicts (www.foodaddicts.org) hold meetings at our church. *Due to COVID, while in person meetings are currently suspended, please see the group websites for meeting days and times.