Congregational Care

Deacons have the charge to minister to those in need; to offer sympathy, prayer and service to any who may be in distress and to celebrate with all in times of joy, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our radical hospitality is to be present with those who feel alone in times of difficulty. Presence is shared by visitation, phone calls, and cards of concern.

Visitation – Deacons regularly visit shut-ins as well as individuals experiencing times of crisis and concern. The Sunday floral bouquets are used to provide some of the flowers that are delivered to the sick and shut-in. Deacons extend the arm of care after the pastor and parish nurse meet critical needs.
Card ministries– a card ministry actively meets the needs of individuals who are ill, grieving or in need or an encouraging word, those who celebrate special joys, new parents, and significant birthdays and wedding anniversaries. College students and summer campers have benefited from the card ministry as well.
Thinking of you – members are encouraged to participate in a correspondence ministry by completing “Thinking of you” cards provided in the pews. When left in the offering plate or with an usher, the deacons facilitate delivery of these notes.
Special needs – Deacons seek to provide assistance as needed. Several Trinity members are receiving CD’s of the Sunday services. Meals and grocery shopping can be provided. The parish nurse maintains some medical equipment such as crutches and walkers which can be borrowed as needed.
Glorify through beauty – Lilies at Easter and Poinsettias at Christmas continue to be a way for the congregation to share remembrances and honorariums of thanksgiving in worship. Following the celebration many of the plants are delivered to homebound members affording another symbol of the deacons’ ministry of presence.

Our Parish Nurse enriches the Deacon ministry through her professional and spiritual leadership. Visitation to parishioners who are sick, hospitalized and homebound or in care facilities is her primary mission providing a ministry of presence and support. The Parish Nurse focuses on wellness, disease prevention and health promotion in monthly Talking Trinity articles, blood pressure checks and the bulletin board. “Cares Notes’ ministry provides support pamphlets on a wide variety of topics, especially grief and loss. Health promotion classes that are led by parishioners include the low-impact aerobics class, First Place 4 Health Bible study/weight loss class and yoga.