lay pastoral care
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Feeling connected to God’s love by the community can be a source of strength and solace through the physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties that come with life. People need care in a great variety of situations and reasons, and at Saint Anne’s, we seek to care for one another in just as many ways as there are needs. Our pastoral caregivers are supportive, compassionate, helpful, present, thoughtful, and respectful. Below you will find several of our pastoral care ministries. If you or a loved one have a pastoral need or would like to be added to our prayer list, please call the church and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Community of Hope International (COHI)
COHI is a ministry of trained lay persons who provide pastoral care through their presence, visiting parishioners and others who have short term or long term needs. Members of COHI attend fourteen training classes before joining the chapter at Saint Anne’s. Throughout their time as caregivers they received ongoing continuing education and meet for mutual support and spiritual growth. The visits made by COHI are confidential. If you would like to request a visit from a COHI minister, please send an email to CohiResources@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a caregiver, contact a member of the clergy.
Flower delivery
Every Sunday, the Flower Guild prepares a few vases of flowers to be delivered to those who are celebrating, recovering, immobile, or otherwise in need. Flower deliverers bring these beautiful arrangements to the homes of our parishioners. If you are interested in volunteering for this special ministry, please contact Patricia Daniel or Mary Stark. Deliveries may be made on Sunday or Monday.
Soup FaIries
The Soup Fairy ministry was started at the beginning of the pandemic to help the church keep in contact with members who were isolated. Currently, we make about five deliveries per year to church members who live at the Terrace as well as "home-bound" members or who are recommended by the Pastoral Care committee. Throughout the year members also drop off soup as needed to members experiencing sickness or loss. Our soup bags include one or two pints of homemade soup, freshly baked cookies, fruit, and other goodies to bring cheer and nourishment. Last year we delivered over 300 pints of soup and other goodies. Please contact Barbara Fairchild or Carol Drummond if you would like to make soup or cookies or help with bag assembly and delivery. We have a lot of fun and love spreading our cheer.
Eucharistic Visitors
Eucharistic Visitors are lay people who are trained and licensed to administer bread and wine from a Sunday Eucharist with those who are unable to attend church. This ministry augments clergy visits, making it possible for communion to be shared more frequently.
guild of the christ child
The Guild of the Christ Child welcomes the newly-baptized and their families into Saint Anne’s community. Members greet those to be baptized and their families; provide a book about baptism and spiritual development to each family; and touch base with families to answer questions about parish resources and opportunities.
