​​Caring for Each Other at PMC

At PMC, we are committed to caring for each other through difficult times. We have a variety of resources available to help including: small groups, support groups, care companions, meal delivery, and financial support. If you are experiencing a crisis or something difficult, or know someone who is struggling, please let us know!

You can contact any of the PMC Pastors (Kris, Kristen, or Curt) and they will help figure out what resources will fit you best.
​Some possibilities and resources for receiving care are listed below.​

Congregational Care Committee

The Congregational Care Committee meets regularly and does organizational work to meet needs in the congregation. They disperse financial aid and help make connections for folks who are needing support. 

Financial Need & Mutual Aid

In the midst of difficult times, we are committed to caring for each other and to 'seeking the peace of the city' (Jeremiah 29:7). If you or someone you know at PMC is facing financial need, please let us know. We can offer help through our Care Fund and through the Sharing Fund of Everence. 

If you are able to offer financial support, we invite you to give to the Care Fund at PMC. We also encourage you to support our local community partners (Street Roots, Mainspring, Nightstrike, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon) and the work of the church that stretches globally (Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mission Network). All of your gifts can be given through the church. Make sure to designate where the money is to go. 

​Thank you!
The Congregational Care Committee are PMC Pastors, Kris Voss-Rothmeier, Curt Weaver, and Kristen Swartley, Everence Sharing Fund Liaison Jim Wenger, and PMC Members Alison Nelson, Vivian Headings, LaVonne Blowers, and Linda Smith.

Support Groups

 The Congregational Care committee can help develop a support group that can walk with you through a difficult time or transition. This type of group could take a few different shapes. These groups usually have a set time limit, but could be extended when needed. Support groups may not be possible for every type of need and may arise more informally within the congregation.
  • A group to talk with you regularly
  • A group to help organize care for your physical needs
  • A group of people going through a similar experience that gathers to work at healing together. For instance, we have a "Widow's Group" that meets regularly. 

Meal Trains

Often a small group or other friends will come together to create a meal train for someone who needs it due to medical procedures or other types of life transitions. Additionally, a member of the Congregational Care Committee or a PMC pastor can help you identify someone to setup a meal train for you. This may involve organizing people to bring meals or encouraging people to donate toward some sort of meal delivery service. If you are needing some meals during a difficult time, contact one of the PMC Pastors and they will connect you with someone who can set this up.

Small Group Committee

Small groups are a way that we learn and grow in faith through deepening our relationships with others in the church. They are also an important place where we care for each other. Small groups are often the first point of contact when folks are in need and they walk with each other through difficult times.

The Small Group Committee helps facilitate three types of groups that have different levels of commitment and format:
  • PMC Meetups
  • Dine with 9
  • Longer term Small Groups
For more information check the PMC Small Groups web page.

Care Companions

Care Companions can be available when needed. These are people from the church with some training in caregiving who can meet with you regularly to talk and be present with you during a difficult or transitional time. These "Care Companions" will receive supervision from a pastor or a trained PMC leader. Please contact Pastor Kristen if you would like to explore this option.

PMC pastors are also available to meet with people on a short-term basis and can help connect you with other resources in the church. 

Memorial Meal Committee

This committee works with the pastoral staff and church members to organize meals or snacks for a memorial service. Committee members include: Paula Brunk Kuhns, Janna Moats, and Phyllis Shirk.

Other Resources

Local Resource List

​Advance Directives

​Advance Directives help us make crucial decisions now about end-of-life health care choices that our families and doctors may be required to face later on our behalf.  Contact the PMC office if you would like to have an Advance Directive form sent to you, or if you would like to have one of these volunteers contact you.

​Funeral planning

​As Christians we know that dying is part of living. We place our hope in Christ through whom we know the enduring love of God that is with us in life, in death, and in life after death. Knowing that one day our natural life will end, please use this worksheet to help your church leaders and those who are near to you know how you would like to be remembered.