PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care in the church is the care we have for one another. We show this care by listening, supporting, encouraging and befriending. We may visit those who are not well at church, in homes, at the hospital or in care facilities. Sometimes we meet individually or in groups to support those in need. For pastoral care, please call 252-633-2109.

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LAY PASTORAL MINISTRIES

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Daughters of the King
DOK is an order for women whose mission is the extension of Christ’s kingdom, especially among women and girls, through prayer, service, and evangelism. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at baptism and confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s kingdom and the strengthening of spiritual life of her parish. Contact: Nancy Przybylko

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Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Pastoral Care Commission of Christ Church includes the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  This giving

Ministry is comprised of a group of knitters and crocheters who meet monthly and produce

beautiful prayer shawls and also nap blankets for children ages newborn through about six years old

(the ages that children take naps.) These items are produced with loving care and on completion are

consecrated at the Christ Church Altar.  The consecrated shawls and blankets are stored in a closet

in the Church Reception area and available to all parish members.  The Ministry asks all Church

members to pick up one of these items and present it to someone you know or love who could be

comforted by the gift made from the heart by these Prayer Shawl Ministers.

Contact: Carolyn Stevens.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Eucharistic Visitors

The Pastoral Care Commission for Christ Church has trained parishioners who unselfishly take communion to their fellow parish members who are home bound or unable to attend church services. These Eucharistic Visitors bring the Eucharist to church members in the hospital, nursing homes, and individual homes. You see them at the end of our Sunday services; parishioners come up to the altar and receive a box with the consecrated Eucharist. They take that Eucharist to fellow parishioners who cannot join us at church. Contact: John Gaskill

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Stephen Ministry
This program equips lay persons in our congregation to provide Christian care on a one-to-one basis to those experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances such as illness, divorce, loss of a loved one or any crisis primarily by providing a listening ear and Christ’s love. This is a confidential ministry in which a care receiver can be sure that his or her identity and what is discussed will remain private. These lay ministers go through 50+ hours of training led by professionals to learn skills to help those in crisis. Contacts: The Rev. Suzanne Hood and Mary Parrish.

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Flower Ministry

The flowers on the altar are a beautiful embellishment to help us glorify God, but they are so much more than that. After the services each Sunday, the members of the Flower Guild distribute the altar flowers to people in our community who are celebrating birthdays, are on our prayer list, are currently undergoing treatment for cancer or other illnesses, etc. The flower arrangements act in a similar way to our sharing of communion with those in our community who are homebound. Contact: Sims Wayt.

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Christ Church Friends  
Normally a group of male and female visitors visit with those in our parish who are shut-in for one reason or another. These volunteers visit their homes or facilities once or twice a month. Even during COVID, volunteers have checked by telephone or by sending notes/cards. Visitors will be able to resume the visits in person very soon, masked and distanced. Contact: Ann Bustard

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Neighbors in Christ  
With carefully drawn neighborhood lines, Christ Church has nineteen neighborhoods, each with a leader. The goal of the program is for the group leader and clergy to coordinate pastoral care needs for parishioners when necessary within the neighborhood. These pastoral care needs include death of a family member; hospitalization or serious illness; pregnancy, miscarriage, or birth in a family; divorce or separation; change of employment, etc. During the COVID-19 pandemic our leaders continued to coordinate needs with clergy. Contact: Barbara Rice

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Recovery Ministry
Alcoholism and addiction have devasting effects on both the sufferer and the families of those suffer. The church can offer hope for both. Visit the calendar page of our website to see when groups meet at Christ church or visit www.aa.org to find other meetings. The Recovery Ministry of the Episcopal Church provides related literature to Christ Church and the Church library to educate parishioners about the disease. The Rev. Deacon Lisa Kirby is the Ministry Leader.

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Newcomer Committee

The Newcomer Committee reaches out to those who are new to Christ Church and have expressed in interest in learning more about our parish. Contact: Barbara Rice