What is the Core?  The Core consists of trained Care Ministers who provide Christian fellowship and love to people who are in need of support and spiritual guidance. There is no cost for the twenty hours of mandatory training offered at Hope. Each session concludes with a commissioning ceremony.

Care Ministers are paired with Care Receivers on a one-to-one basis,
matching men with men and women with women.
Receivers may be experiencing a variety of challenges such as;
loss of a job, grief, loneliness, depression, health concerns or other
stresses.  Each pairing is always kept confidential and may be
short or long-term.

Care Ministers meet once a month in small groups for mutual
support and spiritual encouragement. Continuing education
opportunities are offered throughout the year in addition to
fellowship gatherings. Annual retreats will provide growth,
renewal, and of course fun!

Other Core Opportunities:

• Provide outreach monthly worship services at Assisted Living facilities
• Partner with food service to deliver meals as needed
• Formulate a variety of respite opportunities at Hope
• Be instrumental in developing a Junior Core

 “Weaving Our Hearts in Faith, Hope and Love”

June 6, 2008 approximately 25 Care Ministers hopped into carpools, eagerly awaiting the first Care Core Retreat at Robin’s Resort, Lake of the Ozarks.

The Core enjoyed luscious treats, joyful laughter, and a time to become acquainted as a ministry group. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, after Nancy Parli shared her catastrophic, 20 year life- threatening disease and how God worked through her suffering and pain.  But God wasn’t finished yet. The Care Core then expressed their faith, hope and love in Jesus as they hand-crafted journals and intricate cloth weavings that will hang on Hope’s walls.

Saturday night everyone gathered for a luscious barbecue followed by a beach campfire with more worship and praise.  Ryan and Adam Buck served as the worship leaders for the weekend.  It was truly awesome! 

On Sunday, the worship service included a morning message by Mike and Ryan Buck and Donna Loney served communion.  God continued to show His presence by giving the Core a common vision and truly knitting their hearts in love.

Will the Core be busy?  Yes, indeed, but they are ready – ready to open their hearts and be “Jesus with skin on” to those in need. Refreshed from the retreat, they are even more prepared to serve Hope and the community in whatever way God calls.