May 2005

Lay Ministries at St. Paul's

   Each month we will bring you a brief description of one or two of the many ongoing, as well as new, ministries performed by the people of St. Paul’s as we strive to grow into a mature "body of Christ". Anyone with questions or ideas concerning Lay Ministries is encouraged to contact Ted Seymour through the church office or at ministries@stpaulswickford.org

Ministry to the Homebound - Update

It is important that as parishioners at St. Paul’s we remember that part of our congregation, although they are not at church each Sunday, are still very much a part of our Christian community. These are the homebound. Whether homebound temporarily because of a fractured hip or permanently because of debilitating disease, they still represent part of the body of Christ. We are formulating a ministry to reach out to these members who in their time gave so much to the church. Possible areas of ministry include:

  1. Sunshine - to send birthday, get well, thinking of you and sympathy cards to members of the parish

  2. Friendly visitor - to spend time with people in person or by phone and establish a meaningful relationship with those who are otherwise alone

  3. Transportation - to be a possible resource for transport to church, medical appointments or emergency errands for those who have exhausted other community options.

The diocese requires participation in the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Workshop to be held on May 14 at Trinity Church in North Scituate (see details below).

In addition, St. Paul’s will be holding orientation sessions for this ministry on Wed., May 18 and Wed., May 25 at 7 pm. Please call Marci O’Connor or Laurie DeRuosi or send a comment on our Ministry Form to become a part of this ministry.

Also, a new lay ministry, Healing Ministry at St. Paul’s

~ Ted Seymour

A Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Workshop was held on Saturday, May 14, from 9 - 3 at Trinity Church in North Scituate. This workshop is required for all Sunday School teachers, lay eucharistic visitors, and those interested in the homebound ministry and the new healing ministry. The next workshop will be held in August at the cathedral in Providence.