“Bear
one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ… So
then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and
especially for those of the family of faith.” -- Galatians 6:2, 10.
I
am grateful to be the liaison from the Vestry for the Pastoral Care Team. Let
me tell you a little about this group of amazing women. The Pastoral Care team
is multi-faceted. We are dedicated to visiting the home bound, taking communion
to those who are unable to attend church, either temporarily or permanently. We
are here to serve those who need to be consoled. We try and share the burdens of those going
through difficult life transitions. We are a group who care deeply for those we
serve.
Each
team member has several parishioners they are responsible for contacting
regularly, checking in to see how they are, and asking if anything has changed
in their situation. We update these names at our quarterly meeting. Some
members of the team attend the first Friday monthly Eucharist held at the
Chesapeake.
When
called upon by the clergy, team members may visit a parishioner who is in the
hospital. We also schedule healers for the healing service, which is held the
first Sunday of each month. One member sends cards as needed, which we know are
welcomed by those who are unable to get to church. The Prayer Chain at St.
Andrews is also under the umbrella of Pastoral Care. It is a very busy
ministry. Requests are made almost
daily, by email or phone, for people needing prayers. Updates are given at
least monthly. Prayer is an important part of Pastoral Care.
We
have a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted by members
of the congregation. Once completed, they are blessed by the clergy and are
set-aside in a special box. When a need arises, we can take one to a person who
might benefit from one. They are marked with special tags saying that prayers
were said as the shawls were being made.
We
all have different gifts. I believe that we must look closely at ourselves to
see where our gifts might be.
Ministering
to those who are sick, bereaved or confined to facilities is very gratifying
for me. I feel called to this ministry, as it is way for me to return the gift
to those who have walked with me through tough times. I believe I can make a
small difference in the lives of our parishioners who may be in need. Would you
like to be involved in this ministry? Could this be a place to use your gifts?
Feel free to call me at 846-6993 or email me at freyc@verizon.net. And thank you for electing me to
serve on your Vestry. It is a good time to be at St. Andrews!
Peace
to you this day,
Catherine
Frey
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