After just spending my day off caring for my dear mother who is still struggling with health issues, some unrelated to the surgery she had three weeks ago, I find myself with a greater appreciation for those who care for their loved one 24/7 for weeks and sometimes months on end. When I think about such heroes in our own parish and community, I am in awe of the fact that so many of our caregivers are seniors whose strength and stamina have lessened due to their age and own health issues. My first thought is that I will start including these dear people (and not just their care receivers) in my daily prayers. I invite you to do so as well. Secondly, I urge those of you who know of a caregiver, whether a parishioner or not, to support them in any way you can, through phone calls, visits and offers to help out in various practical ways. Thirdly, please consider joining our "Helping Hands" ministry which offers to "answer the call" when you can to help a parishioner and/or caregiver who has a need (like taking someone to the doctor, or sitting with someone while their caregiver takes a break or goes to the store).
Our two "Helping Hands" coordinators, Cathy Wedwick (501-915-8456) and Pat Widlowski (501-922-1395) are ready to share with you what the oppotunities and needs are in this ministry and give you the chance to think about it and hopefully agree to be a "helper" in at least one area of need. There is a "Helping Hands Corner" on the long wooden credenza in the area that leads from the Narthex into the educational/administrative wing of our Parish building. It details what the opportunities for service are and has a written application you can fill out. FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANT is the need for those who are caregivers or are in need of help to not hesitate to call "Helping Hands" to share your need and see if "Helping Hands" people can help. If it is an ongoing, weekly need, our coordinators will be glad to give you agencies and phone numbers to call to see about getting people to come in and help for a fee. I also want to urge caregivers to consider joining our caregivers support group that meets twice a month in one of our church classrooms. Call Evelyn Garrison (501-204-4134) or Maureen Morely Halloran (228-342-0491) to get more information and consider coming to this group to see if it will benefit you (and indirectly, the person you are caring for).
As I write this pastor's column, it is primary election day in Arkansas. While sadly many people in this day and age truly wonder and question whether those elected will "serve" others, especially those most in need in the ways they can do so, I have the utmost confidence that those who are called to serve others especially seniors who are physically and/or mentally in need, are producing much fruit for those they care for and are blessed abundantly for what they do!!!
Our two "Helping Hands" coordinators, Cathy Wedwick (501-915-8456) and Pat Widlowski (501-922-1395) are ready to share with you what the oppotunities and needs are in this ministry and give you the chance to think about it and hopefully agree to be a "helper" in at least one area of need. There is a "Helping Hands Corner" on the long wooden credenza in the area that leads from the Narthex into the educational/administrative wing of our Parish building. It details what the opportunities for service are and has a written application you can fill out. FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANT is the need for those who are caregivers or are in need of help to not hesitate to call "Helping Hands" to share your need and see if "Helping Hands" people can help. If it is an ongoing, weekly need, our coordinators will be glad to give you agencies and phone numbers to call to see about getting people to come in and help for a fee. I also want to urge caregivers to consider joining our caregivers support group that meets twice a month in one of our church classrooms. Call Evelyn Garrison (501-204-4134) or Maureen Morely Halloran (228-342-0491) to get more information and consider coming to this group to see if it will benefit you (and indirectly, the person you are caring for).
As I write this pastor's column, it is primary election day in Arkansas. While sadly many people in this day and age truly wonder and question whether those elected will "serve" others, especially those most in need in the ways they can do so, I have the utmost confidence that those who are called to serve others especially seniors who are physically and/or mentally in need, are producing much fruit for those they care for and are blessed abundantly for what they do!!!