These are the words that Jesus lived and died. His words come alive again every time the people of Holy Innocents' love one another as Christ loves each person in this parish and indeed in the whole world. In some churches, pastoral care is seen as only the work of ordained people. This is not true in this community of faith for we have a long history here that has taught us that clergy and lay people both have pastoral gifts. Here are some of the ways we give them:
Lay Eucharist Ministers Karen Steanson- 404-248-6422 LEM's are selected by the Rector and licensed by the bishop to take Communion to the sick and homebound immediately following the Sunday Eucharistic services. Whether at home or the hospital the LEMs lead an abbreviated Communion service including the Sunday scriptures and a summary of the sermon of the day. Training and a period of apprenticeship are required.
Intercessory Prayer Group Please call the church office at 404-255-2023 The Intercessory Prayer Group is a small group of parishioners who gather every Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to pray for the needs and concerns of the parish as well as special requests made on the intercessory prayer cards (prayer request cards are found in the pew racks). All prayer requests are kept strictly confidential. The larger group is pledged to pray for those concerns on a daily basis at home. If you have a prayer request, are interested in joining the Intercessory Prayer Group or know of someone who could use the healing power of prayer, call the chairperson.
Healing Group Renee Peyton 404-231-3824 Laying on of hands has been an important ministry at Holy Innocents since the 1980s. Members of the healing committee are available during the 9:00 and 11:15 services (8:30 and 10:30 during the summer) to offer prayers of healing for mind, body and spirit to members of the congregation who wish to receive prayers for themselves or others. The Healing Committee is affiliated with the Order of St. Luke the Physician, an ecumenical Order that believes healing is an essential part of the teaching of Jesus Christ. St. Joseph of Arimathea Guild Anne Hutto770-971-7565/ This special guild ministers to bereaved families by hosting a reception following the funeral services in the Church. Derived from the ministry of Joseph of Arimathea, who took the body of Jesus and prepared it for burial, members of the guild coordinate the reception following a funeral memorial service. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. The tasks are many and varied and afford members the opportunity to set up, prepare food, serve or clean up. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry please call Anne Hutto at 404-255-4023 or e-mail her at ahutto@holyinnocents.org. Lay Pastoral Care Martha Sterne— 404-255-4023
Lay Pastoral Care volunteers are a dedicated and compassionate group of men and women who visit the elderly, homebound or parishioners having long term needs. Generally visits are one per month or as needed and volunteers attend one meeting per month to pray and review their ministry.
A Guide to Funerals at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church
Planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one is rarely easy or comfortable. With A Guide to Funerals at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, we are offering a way to facilitate the planning process with the least amount of anxiety, while covering all the aspects that need to be considered. Our priests are available should you have any questions or concerns. Clickhere to review and/or download the Guide.
