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Love, care, warmth, connectivity and kindness – that’s what the Visiting Ministry is all about. Whether someone is incapacitated for a brief time or for the long-term, everyone needs to feel loved and cared for. It is by our reaching out our hearts and hands to others that Visiting Ministers serve God and emulate Jesus’ actions and directive to care for others in need through service and prayer.
Members of the Visiting Ministry team give so much to those parishioners who are ill, injured, grieving, shut-in or expecting. Parishioner Melissa Ortiz recently said, “The Visiting Ministry has been a godsend in the life of the Ortiz family. Throughout my battle with breast cancer, there was always someone available to make sure we were fed. People stepped up to help with laundry and other household tasks. Others took Tony out for "meals with the fellas" or sat with me as I rested after surgeries or post treatments.”
Kusen Crawford-Sampson added, “The Visiting Ministry is the important outreach of the church. I look forward to the visits and calls, particularly from Brad Record who calls me nearly every day to check on me. I would be lost without their compassion and care.”
Visiting Ministry team members bountifully get so much back in return for their care and effort. And often, over time, Visiting Ministers get very close to the ones they visit. Lori Shore recently commented that,“Being a part of the Visiting Ministry Team has been a very rewarding part of my life. I have had the pleasure to come along side others during times of pain, ill health, loneliness and grief. Sometimes, just talking on the phone or sitting with them made all the difference. Through these connections, I have made some wonderful new friends, ones that I love dearly. I am blessed to be able to serve in this way.”
According to Tom Nicholson, “For five years, I have been visiting a former NASA engineer who was paralyzed after a serious fall and is now living in a nursing home requiring around-the-clock assistance. We enjoy our time together. It is my way of being able to answer God’s call to help others.”
Visiting Ministers call, visit and send cards and emails to parishioners of all ages. They also provide meals and rides to church and run errands for those who need it. They take repurposed altar flowers to shut-ins with the help of the Flower Guild who take down the flowers and make smaller arrangements for us to take each week. They also take the Eucharist to parishioners who request it. Some Visiting Ministers take flowers, soup, reading material, or whatever an individual likes or needs. Others take nothing except their loving hearts and smiling faces. The 15-member Visiting Ministry team visits parishioners in a variety of settings – nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and homes.
If you know of someone who would appreciate a visit or call, or if you wish to volunteer with the Visiting Ministry, please contact Elizabeth Stuckle at visitingministry@allsaintschurch.net.
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