|
`For
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you
cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see
you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see
you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see
you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in
reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least
brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:35-40
The same people to
people contact Matthew describes, is the true Mission of the Parish
Outreach ministries. We care for people. We visit them in the hospitals
every Monday, we visit them at home, we bring the Eucharist to them and
we give them hope, comfort and support. Outreach, through its' Outreach
and Welcome Committees coordinates a wide variety of programs and
support services including the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners,
receptions following Funerals and Memorial services, Coffee and donut
Sundays and more. Sub-committees include telephone, neighborhood
networks, and others. You will also find Outreach ministers involved in
bereavement support groups and education through Growth Through Loss
which meets on a regular basis. Outreach also cooperates with AA, the
local food banks and the Interfaith Council which sponsors the annual
Crop Walk.
The
Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide
distinctively Christian one-to one care to those who are experiencing
all kinds of life needs and circumstances. Stephen Ministers are
committed Christian people who express God's care to others in many
ways. After completing 50 hours of initial training in important caring
ministry skills and concepts, they are commissioned for a two year term.
During their term they visit those who have requested them on a regular
and dependable basis offering Christian support and care. All of this is
under the guidance of trained Stephen leaders, who also provide ongoing
education and skill building during the years of service. This
confidential ministry is open to all adult parishioners in good
standing. Training is offered once each year.
|