Inreach

 
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those
who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
 
The Inreach Commission at the Parish Church of St. Helena provides support through Christian caregiving to members of our parish.


Lay Ministry Opportunities


Bereavement Ministry
  
This active group provides support and assistance to parish families at the time of a family member’s death. Families of our parish are offered prayer, sympathy, or food in the home or at a reception following the funeral service at St. Helena’s. The lay ministers offer service for the glory of God to those grieving. Dignity and grace with compassion are reflected by lay ministers. Each reception is elegantly given with the best that our teams can offer. Over and over, we receive notes from families, thanking the clergy, staff, lay ministers, altar guild, choir, ushers, Sunshine Committee, and Stephen Ministers who have joined together during a time of need. If you are interested in bringing glory to God through this ministry, please contact Maude Hornsby at 521-7569.


Hospital Ministry

Lay hospital ministers are dedicated individuals who regularly visit parishioners who are hospitalized at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. We have liaisons with Episcopal hospital visitors (clergy and/or lay people) in both Savannah and Charleston and can arrange for timely visits to St. Helena’s parishioners who are hospitalized in those cities. A privacy law prevents Beaufort Memorial Hospital from providing us with a list of Episcopalians who are registered. It is important for family members to notify the church office whenever someone is hospitalized.

A ministry opportunity is available to join a team of lay ministers who bring God’s tender presence to those in our parish family who are hospitalized. This ministry entails being part of a lay ministry team that visits the hospital on a rotational basis on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, conveying Christ’s love with a brief, cheerful visit and an offer of prayer. A lay ministry team typically serves once every four to six weeks. If you are interested in bringing glory to our Lord through this ministry, please contact Marcia Seymour at 521-0778.


The Carpenter's Hands
Being God's blessing

This ministry serves to bring comfort and assistance to members of our congregation who may be homebound for whatever reason, whether it is illness or some other special circumstance. We will deliver a delicious meal to them every Wednesday evening as part of our W.A.S.H. program or prepare and deliver a meal, when needed, beyond Wednesday night.

Our lay ministers also will provide transportation for doctor's visits, church services, or other special needs whenever other transportation may not be available.

We also wish to be a blessing, as they are to us, to those who through physical or financial constraints may need our help in basic maintenance needs, such as lawn mowing and cleanup, carpentry, plumbing, painting, etc. If you are able and would like to help us proclaim God's kingdom through this ministry, please contact Mike Petrie at 838-9610.

Nursing and Assisted-Care Home Ministry

Every month, parishioners call on our members at Bayview Manor, Morningside, Helena House, River Oaks, and Summit Place. Family members should notify the church if there is someone who would like to be visited. If you would like to become a visitor, please call Marcia Seymour at 521-0778.


Sunshine Communications
Greeting card ministry

Hundreds of cards are mailed to our church family each year. Different types of cards are thoughtfully chosen offering get-well messages of sympathy. A publication from Stephen Ministry entitled, Journeying through Grief, is sent at specific intervals during the year following a death. These booklets offer encouragement during the grieving process. For more information, contact Jean Kearns at 524-2951.


Stephen Ministry
Christian caregiving

Stephen Ministry is a process-oriented Christian caregiving ministry that has been implemented in more than 150 denominations internationally over more than 34 years. It is a strictly confidential lay ministry, giving distinctively Christian care, one-on-one, to those in our parish and community who have suffered loss. The nature of the loss may involve divorce, death, serious illness, lack of employment, miscarriage, lack of fertility, spousal dementia, "empty nest," or any of a myriad of things about which people may be hurting and need a special, non-judgmental Christian friend. If you are interested in finding out about becoming a Stephen Minister, or if you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please call the Rev. Mark Avera at 522-1712.

Stephen Ministry information links on the web:
Organizational website: http://www.stephenministries.org/
Helpful testimonial (2 min.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNjiwWRAjvc