Grace Lutheran Social Ministries
The Social Ministry Committee serves the members of Grace, our community and our world by offering care, support and advocacy. The Social Ministry focuses primarily physical and emotional well-being embodied in a compassionate Christian approach.
Members of the Social Ministry Committee are dedicated to serving all socio-economic and age groups. While the committee currently has a list of programs and activities that is organizes and supports, there is always interest and a desire to include more programs and to respond to the needs of our church and community.
If you are interested in learning more about the Social Ministry committee or if you have know of other needs within our church community, please contact Jim Campbell at 237-0676.
The Social Ministry Committee meets the third Monday evening of each month at 7:00 in the Fireside Room. All are welcome to join!
Calendar of Care
A year of opportunities for service and ministry at Grace Lutheran Church from fall 2007 through fall of 2008 compiled by the Social Ministry Committee in PDF form. Press link to view.
Be-Frienders
A be-friender is someone who makes a shut-in their friend. As they visit, they listen, they share, they pray, they show love and concern. They try to make the shut-in feel that they are part of the church family, even though they may not be able to attend worship. For more information, contact Geraldine Slear at 237-0668. A card ministry for the shut-ins is also provided by Carolyn Fishburn.
Stephen's Ministry
Teams of two Stephans' Ministers arrange to share communion with the shut-ns of Grace Lutheran Church who are unable to attend our regular worship services and partake of the Lord's Supper. Teams visit our shut-ins at least four times a year, sharing a brief worship of confession, scripture reading prayer and Holy Communion. If you know of a shut-in who desires to receive communion or if you would like to volunteer as a Stephens' Ministry, please call Geraldine Slear at 237-0668.
Homebound Communion Luncheons
Twice a year, a communion service and a midday meal is prepared for homebound members who are unable to attend worship on a regular basis. Each homebound guest is assigned a chaperone who assists the guest throughout the service, the meal and with transportation if necessary. A nurse is also attends the luncheons to assist with any emergencies that may occur. If you are interested in helping or know of a homebound member who would like to attend, contact Pastor Louder at 238-2478 or Jim Cambell at 237-0676.
Blood Pressure Checks
Between services on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, there is a nurse in the Narthex to do blood pressure checks for those who wish to have their blood pressure checked. If you are a nurse or doctor and would be willing to volunteer your time and expertise, please contact Don Burris at 238-1236.
Christmas and Easter Flower Alternatives
During these two seasons when flowers are put upon the altar, the Social Ministry Committee sponsors alternative donation ideas for those who wish to contribute. At Christmas, alternative donations are collected for our foreign missionaries and given to them directly as a gift from Grace. During the Easter season, Committee member designate a pertinent program/organization/cause to support. Contact the church office at 238-2478 for more information.
Wellness Seminars
From time to time, the Social Ministry Committee sponsors and workshops for he congregation on issues germane to our daily lives. Topics may include:
- Adoption
- Emotional Wellness
- Physical Wellness
- Living Wills and Advance Directives
- CPR Programs
- Personal Reference Files
- First Aid
- Preparation of Wills
- Retirement planning
- Grieving
- Caring for aging parents
- Diabetes
For more information, contact Jim Cambell at 237-0676.
Personal Reference Files
A Personal Reference File is a confidential and personal record of information which would be very helpful to a person's family and pastor in case of an untimely or death. An individual or family completes the form, which includes a listing of relatives' names and phone numbers as well as any pertinent instructions. These reference files can also be used as a way of back-up information stored elsewhere, such as personal statistics, insurance records, will locations, etc. After a personal Reference File is completed, a copy is filed in the church office, accessible only to the Pastor and whomever else the signer may wish to designate (i.e., a spouse or children). For more information, contact the church office at 238-2478.
