Stephen Ministry is a program founded in 1975 to train and support lay people in providing one-to-one Christian care (in coordination with pastoral staff) to those who are experiencing illness, grief, loneliness, job loss, divorce, relocation or other life difficulties.  ACC is one of 11,000 congregations worldwide that offer Stephen Ministry to those in need.

ACC has had an active Stephen Ministry program since 1997 and has trained 47 Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers are faithful Christians who feel called to care for others on a one-to-one basis. They often find that this ministry helps to deepen their own faith as they serve in Christ's name.

Stephen Ministers meet with a care receiver on a one-to-one basis for about one hour per week for varying lengths of time, depending on the care receiver's needs.  Stephen Ministers receive extensive introductory training, on-going supervision and continuing education to prepare them to be good listeners, to provide emotional and spiritual support and to maintain confidentiality.

If you are interested in serving as a Stephen Minister, please contact Jeff McHarg.  If you would like to receive care from a Stephen Minister, contact Referrals Coordinator Elaine Olmstead. 

The Visitation Team is a group within Acton Congregational Church’s Caring Ministries. We formed in the fall of 2019 with the mission of visiting those within our church membership and friends who might be alone, ill, sad, or in need of a connection with others. We began with in-person visits, but as the pandemic started, we switched to telephone visits and correspondence. 

We currently have 12 members who now make telephone visits or send cards to connect with the congregation.  We call people we know and people we have never met before, trying to offer a sense of connection with the greater church. We hope to bring cheer, a word of encouragement, a sense of Christian fellowship and Christ’s blessing to all. 

Sometimes we can help with a specific need by connecting people with others who could offer some assistance.  Other times, we chat or pray with those whom we call. Friendships are strengthened and new ones formed.   

Should you wish to be contacted by the Visitation Team or to join our group, please call Rev. Paulo.

God's love and caring can be expressed in countless way.  When someone is in need, a simple gift can make a meaningful difference.  Colorful shawls, the work of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, are provided to members and friends of our congregation.  

This ministry welcomes anyone who would like to knit or learn to knit into this wonderful fellowship. 

Since ACC began this ministry, shawls have been given to men, women, and children in need of the compassionate touch of other Christians and in need of the healing power of the Holy Spirit. The Prayer Shawl Ministry also creates baptismal blankets that are presented by our Deacons to each infant receiving the sacrament of baptism.  

To join the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Mary Ellen Bersani or attend a Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting, generally held on the third Sunday of each month.

The Good Shepherd Network of volunteers provides short-term meals, rides, etc. for families or individuals in times of emergency. Contact Kathy Stanitski or Rev. Paulo for assistance or to volunteer.

Each week after Sunday morning worship members of our dedicated prayer team are available to pray with you and for you. Whether you are celebrating joys, seeking comfort and healing, or lifting up gratitude, our prayer team is there to pray for you.