— Fr. David’s Blog of 7/24/2020 — Michelle Smith has accepted my invitation to assist with Youth & Young Families (YYF). Three others have agreed to assist with Pastoral Care: Eudel Drain, Leslie Clouser, and Lynne Rosa. I wanted to alert you to these changes while I am away. More news about the future of these ministries will come in August.
Youth & Young Families
Michelle Smith has agreed to lead YYF. Thank you Michelle! Michelle served as Junior and Senior Warden during her tenure on the vestry. She also was active then with YYF and I am thrilled that she is willing to help now. Michelle will be developing a survey that will be sent to our young families and adults to gather their ideas about moving forward with YYF. If you would like to help Michelle and be a part of the YYF team, please click here to contact us. Michelle will also be reaching out to folks to help her. When she calls you, please say yes. By all means you may reach out to her before she calls you.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is an important parish ministry, especially during this time of social distancing. Staying connected to one another is so important and it is up to all of us to stay in touch with one another during this time. At the moment we have members of the parish calling folks and sending cards which will continue. I have asked Eudel Drain, Leslie Clouser, and Lynne Rosa to help me with a new approach to Pastoral Care that will incorporate what we have done in the past and expand how we stay connected during the pandemic. I will be meeting with Eudel, Leslie and Lynne when I return from vacation.
One idea, that still needs to be developed, is that members of SsAM, who have a gift to call and stay in touch with folks, will each be given a list of eight members of SsAM. The idea is that these individuals would connect with their eight folks and with one another and, in essence, form community with one another as they check in. This might be an email or set time for a Zoom call and pray with one another. All of this needs to be explored when I return and I am grateful to Eudel, Leslie and Lynne for their help and for sharing their gifts with the wider parish. If you would like to be one of the “callers”, please contact me, Fr. David, during the first week of August.
These two ministries are wonderful ways for all us to stay connected and care for one another at this time.
Be safe and healthy.
Peace,
Fr. David
Click here to learn about our video worship services.
Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
-Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
