Since the beginning of Redeemer's existence, parishioners have cared for each other from the heart. Loving each other has always been a part of the culture. Prayers were offered, and casseroles were delivered anytime a brother or sister was in need.
In the past few months here at Redeemer, Pastoral Care has taken on a deeper, more intentional way of doing things. It has also received a new name.
Helping Hands was conceived out of the sad and lonely experience of a parishioner going through a serious illness with her mother in the hospital during an extended stay. She experienced a need for more than just prayers FOR her; she needed someone to pray WITH her, to sit WITH her, to give her a hug. In retrospect, she felt that it was God who allowed that experience so that she could better relate to the needs of others. God was showing her that others in the parish needed a more organized way to minister to others through better communications. She went to our Rector, Father Bob, who blessed the endeavor. She then e-mailed and wrote notes to parishioners telling of what had happened to her and her desire to help with the needs of others...visit the sick, in the hospital and at home, deliver food, provide transportation, send cards, make home repairs and provide lawn service for those who are not able.
Redeemer's response was immediate. The formation of Helping Hands was underway.
The people of Redeemer organized into seven ministry teams overseeing the ministry of each category, with a captain and co-captain providing leadership. Team captains and co-captains meet quarterly to share and communicate what is going on within each ministry and to discuss needs of the church that may have come up. Our spiritual guidance comes from Matthew 25, Helping Hands has developed a ministry to give our hands, hearts, and bodies in response to Jesus' command to help others and to go the extra steps to show God's love.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and You gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:35-36)
We would like to invite you to join us in our flourishing ministries. If you need more discernment to determine your own particular area of interest and passion, we provide a seminar designed for that purpose called Network to help you understand better God's design for you in the church.
The seven Helping Hands teams which were formed are: Preparing meals, Visitation, Prayer, phone calls, handyman, Transportation, fellowship, and sending cards.
Our Team Leaders are:
- Meals----------------Cynthia Eason
- Handyman----------Ken Wood
- Phone Calls--------Beth Hamilton
- Send Cards--------Wendy Caney
- Visitation------------Betty Herrin
- Transportation-----Frances Steele
These groups were formed to help people in need and try to make everyone, members and visitors feel welcomed.. Redeemer is a loving Church, desiring to show warmth to others and to share the love of Christ. Helping Hands is the feet and hands of Jesus.
Please contact any of the above if you have a need or contact the Church office 864-277-4562 or contact Betty Lupo 864-277-7588 or email bslupo@bellsouth.net.
