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First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, GA

800 South Enota Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

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Personal Care and Support

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support

    A new Dementia Caregiver Support Group with emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease has been organized. See the schedule here.
    Many family caregivers do not see themselves as caregivers. Nevertheless, it is well documented that a family caregiver’s health can be affected negatively from physical and mental stress while caring for a loved one who is suffering dementia, most commonly, Alzheimer’s Disease. We will have regularly scheduled evening support group sessions where members, in a caring and compassionate atmosphere, will be encouraged to speak freely about their individual needs and to share experiences. Frequently, experts in the field will be invited to speak, respond to questions, and offer suggestions. Additionally, much printed and audio visual material will the provided.
     In the plan is a Respite Program which will allow the caregiver the opportunity to spend a few hours of free time away from daily duties. Respite caregivers will be trained by the Alzheimer’s Association.
     Our church is a sponsor of this new ministry, along with The Legacy Link, Inc. Area Agency on Aging, with outreach to the community and its need for Alzheimer’s and other dementia support. Please call Roger Ray, 770.536.7243 with questions. I hope you will attend as many of these meetings as possible to learn as much as you can about the resources available to you and gain supportive friends as well.

Cancer Support

Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Whether you are the patient or the caregiver or family member, you need the support of others who have experienced the anger, fear, frustration, grief and loneliness that go along with the diagnosis and treatment process.

Grief Support

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one by death, long-term illness or abandonment, you need the support of guidance of trained counselors who can get you back on track for living again.

Stephen Ministers

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. For more information about how you can be a Stephen Minister or how Stephen Ministers can help you, click here>>>

Prayer Support

If you or someone you knows is going through a difficult time, one of the most important things we can do as Christians is pray. This group actively prays for everyone they know of, by name or situation, on a weekly basis. They meet once a week at the church to spend several hours just...praying. And we see results.

Christ Care

Much research has been done on what makes a church vital and vibrant in its life and ministry as a congregation, i.e., "successful." It is very clear that an absolutely key ingredient in this success is the role and influence of small groups within the church. Our church is adding to our existing small groups the ChristCare Series of Stephen Ministries. Their research has uncovered four basic needs that virtually everyone has— Spiritual Growth— people want relationships with God and one another that have depth, meaning, and challenge; Community— meaningful, multiple relationships resulting in real caring for one another in Christ, church and world; Mutual Care— real acceptance and caring for others in an "everyone for himself" world, as Jesus said, "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."; Meaningful Ministry— people want to be involved in a mission bigger than themselves, where their time, talents and gifts of the Spirit can be used as they are needed for others. Our congregation has decided that one of the primary ways we will meet these needs is through the ChristCare Small Group Ministry. Groups of 3-10 persons will meet regularly with a trained, commissioned and supervised leader in order to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. Their activities will focus around four areas: building Christian Community, studying the Bible, prayer and worship, and performing missional service projects. If your curiosity is piqued by this description, contact Rev. Rigby at 770-532-0136 or crigby@fpcga.org and hear more!

Caregivers Support

For those providing care to elderly parents, terminally ill family members, special needs children, etc, this is the group for you! Call Dottie Rigby for more information.