Parish Care
Parish Care is a vital lay ministry dedicated to supporting one another. This is done by intentional praying, sending cards, calling, visiting, providing meals, creating prayer shawls and providing transportation. To inquire about any of these ministries, please contact the church office.
Cards
A quiet but meaningful ministry is at work behind the scenes by sending thoughtful cards to parishioners. Messages of "Get well soon" and "Thinking of You" are sent to those in the hospital or at home recovering. Condolences are sent to parishioners who have lost a loved one. Prayerful, prayer-filled messages keep us connected.
Hurricane - Disaster Team
The Parish Care Committee has implemented a hurricane/disaster preparedness plan for COS, both for parishioners and for church property. Participation is strongly encouraged.
When a severe storm with potentially devastating power is predicted, telephone volunteers from our parish will contact COS members to confirm their plans and potential needs. The team can also identify those who would be willing to provide time, talent or equipment to help parishioners who need assistance and/or helping secure the church property.
If parishioners plan to evacuate and carpool or caravan, the Storm Sidekicks program can help team up travel partners within the parish.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 birth, or just experiencing a time when life seems overwhelming. Keeping in mind food allergies and other special dietary needs, members prepare simple meals to help ease the stress of various events in the lives of members.Prayer Group - Prayer Shawls
The Prayer Group has been meeting via Zoom once a week on Mondays to pray for parishioners and any other special needs. A group of faithful parishioners also meet monthly (during Covid via Zoom) to knit and crochet prayer shawls. The camaraderie adds to the love weaved into each shawl which will be blessed and lovingly provided to someone who needs the comfort and healing touch of the prayer shawl.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a global organization that trains laypeople to provide one-to-one care to someone who is experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, or chronic or terminal illness. Stephen Ministry is confidential so that those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private. The Stephen Ministers are available to provide companionship to an individual for as long as that person needs their support. COS is fortunate to have several qualified Stephen Ministers who are trained in listening and providing support.
Transportation
Members of the Church of the Servant (COS) 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.
