Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) are available in the narthex and parish hall for use by persons with hearing impairments. These helpful devices can be checked out for any service or meeting.
Accessibility Team
Ensuring that our church services and events are accessible to all is the goal of our churchwide accessibility team. We meet on an as-needed basis, and we respond with assistance when we learn parishioners are having difficulty participating in any part of church activities.
Visitation
Parish Care ministers who are Safe Church certified arrange visits to parishioners who would appreciate a listening ear.
Sending Greeting Cards
A quiet but meaningful ministry is at work behind the scenes at Church of the Servant. We have a dedicated group of parishioners who send thoughtful cards to parishioners. “Get well soon” and “Thinking of you” messages are sent to those in the hospital or recovering at home. Condolences are sent to parishioners who have lost a loved one. Prayerful, prayer-filled messages keep us connected.
PS – Donated cards are welcomed!
Parish Care’s Hurricane/Disaster (H/D) Team is active during hurricane season, June-November. If a devastating hurricane with damaging winds is predicted and evacuation recommended, H/D volunteers take immediate action. They contact their assigned parishioners to learn who plans to evacuate and who plans to remain in their homes. After the hurricane has passed, a second contact is made to determine if these parishioners are safe or have had major damage and need assistance.
The Storm Sidekicks program is available for those folks who wish to caravan with others planning to evacuate. Information about pet friendly accommodations and their locations is available as well.
If you are new to Church of the Servant and wish to be contacted by the H/D Team, receive more information about the Storm Sidekicks or assist with clean up after a hurricane, notify the Parish Administrator at admin@cosepiscopal.com or 910-395-0616. Participation is strongly encouraged.
Your best plan is to be prepared well in advance of a storm and know where you will go in the event of an evacuation order. If you remain in your home, you should have enough water and food for family and pets and are prepared to be without power for 1-2 weeks. Following are links to two excellent hurricane/disaster resources.
https://www.readync.gov/
https://www.nhcgov.com/196/Emergency-Management
Meals
“Feed my sheep….” John 21:17
There are occasions in our lives when help with a meal feels “heaven sent.”
Members of COS provide meals for parishioners who are struggling with an illness, hurting after a death in the family, celebrating a new baby or just experiencing a time when life seems overwhelming. With an awareness of food allergies and other special dietary needs, members prepare simple meals to help ease the stress and tensions of challenging life events.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry lovingly presents shawls or lap rugs which have been blessed to those in our church who are in need of their healing touch. Anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting is encouraged to participate in this ministry.
Prayer Group
Believing in the power of prayer, a group of faithful parishioners gathers via Zoom every Monday at noon to pray for our parish family and friends, those in the military, the Vestry and other church leaders, our government officials and, in a cycle, every individual member of our congregation. The subject of the prayers and anything shared at the Monday gatherings are held in strict confidence.
If you are a COS parishioner, you will receive a card from time to time that reads, “On our regular cycle of parish prayers, you were prayed for this week.”
Prayer Chain
“Pray for one another. . .” James 5:16
We have many folks who actively pray for our parishioners, their families and friends. We ask that those who submit a request for prayers have the permission of the person(s) seeking prayers. Prayer requests are shared by email with the “pray-ers” who participate in this ministry. Contact the church office (910) 395-0616 to be have someone added to the Prayer Chain.
Transportation
Members of the Church of the Servant (COS) Safe Church certified Transportation Team provide rides to folks who are otherwise unable to get to doctor visits, special appointments or church events. This service only takes a few hours here and there and is on an “as-needed” basis, so the commitment is minimal but sincerely appreciated. The added bonus is getting to know fellow parishioners.
Memorial Garden
COS keeps a perpetual plaque of all those interred in our Memorial Garden, as well as a diagram of where each marker is located. In partnership with the Building and Grounds committee, Parish Care ensures that the garden area is well maintained.
