Caring Ministries

Do You Need Care?

What are Caring Ministries?

At Summit, caring for our congregants and the Durango community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that supporting one another in times of need fosters a strong, compassionate community where everyone feels valued and loved. If you or someone you know is in need, we encourage you to fill out the form below. Your request will allow us to extend our help and ensure that no one faces their challenges alone.

Caring Ministry Director Kristen Folden [email protected] (970) 247-4213

Prayer or Support Request

Under the direction of our Director of Caring Ministries and a team of Caring Ministry leaders, volunteers offer spiritual care and support for individual needs on behalf of the whole congregation. Since it would be physically impossible for our pastors to meet all the needs in our large congregation, we follow the Biblical model of the early church by assigning tasks to those who are most gifted in that area. Our volunteers select the area that they feel is the best fit, and we provide training as needed.

We rely on members of the congregation to let us know about any needs. Contact Kristen Folden or contact the church office.
For more information, to discuss volunteering with one of these ministries, or to request receiving the services of one of these ministries, contact Kristen.

Caring Ministry Director Kristen Folden: [email protected] (970) 247-4213
Front Office: [email protected] (970) 247-4213

Stephen Ministry

People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.

Stephen Ministers are there:

…after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.

…after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.

…after the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life.

…after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”

…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”

…after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty.

…after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.

…after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.

…after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.

…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out

Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. We’re proud to have many active Stephen Ministers at Summit Church ready to serve, regardless of your religious background. If you’d like to learn more about Stephen Ministry, contact Kristen Folden, Caring Ministry Director, at [email protected] or (970) 247-4213.

Join the team

Our Ministries

Card Ministry

Notes of encouragement, comfort, and hope are mailed out during difficult times; such as illness or surgery, loneliness, or bereavement.

Head & Neck Cancer Survivors Group

Group of survivors that come together to support one another.

Hospital Visitation

Our trained volunteers visit identified members of the congregation who are in the hospital, offering words of encouragement, prayer, and comfort as needed. Anointing and communion may be requested. Pre-surgery prayer may be requested.

Visitation Interest Form

Meals Ministry

A group of volunteers make meals to offer an individual or family following surgery, a serious illness, death, or birth of a baby, etc.

Worship Services at Care Facilities

Volunteers help with monthly worship services for residence of Cottonwood and Sunshine Gardens to support the spiritual needs of individuals who are not able to get out for regular church services.

Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support Group was born out of our Parkinsons Support Group, but it is for anyone who is the caregiver of someone- regardless of what their condition is. This group helps encourage and support each other as they are pouring out so much at home caregiving.

Prayer Team

As the church receives requests for prayer, they are forwarded confidentially to the members of the prayer team, who then lift up each request by praying at home. The team also prays for every member of the congregation on a rotating schedule.

Prayer Quilts

Quilts are made, hung, and prayed over by congregation as knots are tied, and given to individuals struggling with a serious illness or condition.

Parkinson’s Support Group

This group meets once a month to offer support to one another and often includes an educational resource available in the area about Parkinson’s Disease.

Home-Bound Elder Visits

Volunteers provide in-home support for individuals confined to their home. Prayer, scripture reading, and communion may all be requested.

Journey through Grief Books

Following a death, a series of books are mailed to a surviving loved one to encourage healing and offer support during this time.

Silver Link (Elder Visitation in Care Facilities)

Our trained volunteers offer social visits or spiritual care at Four Corners, Sunshine Gardens, and Cottonwood.

Director of Caring Ministries

Born and raised in sunny San Jose, California, Kristen moved to Durango in 2002 and has been happy to call it home and to build a life here. After a long career in teaching music, Kristen has sensed a growing desire to use her gifts and experiences in a brand new way. She is thrilled with her new role as Caring Ministry Director and looking forward to joining the community at Summit. Kristen is a pianist and violist and loves performing locally with the San Juan Symphony. She can also be found painting, tending her garden, or enjoying a cappuccino with a friend. Kristen is mom to three almost-grown kids, Kacey, Libby and Johnny.

[email protected]