“For it is in giving that we receive.”
Amid the unrest of Covid-19, the St. Paul’s Care and Share leadership team has continued working behind the scenes to support those within our parish community who are especially vulnerable – while carefully observing social distancing.
As always, leaders Margie Best and Melonie Wigley have been meeting weekly with clergy to discuss members’ specific needs – and to find creative and safe ways to assist people in their homes as needed. These days the meetings are via Zoom conferencing, but the spirit of compassionate generosity is unwavering.
In mid-March and in conjunction with Bread Ministry for Newcomers, Care and Share delivered 6 loaves of bread that were in the freezer to persons we thought could benefit from the gesture. We are ever aware of the perils of isolation, so make conscientious efforts to reach out to those we know of who may be feeling especially lonely during this time.
Each team member has been calling and keeping in touch with at least 2-3 vulnerable persons in the church weekly. Between the Care and Share team and other church volunteers who’ve come forward, there are 13 people making phone calls.
At the onset of the crisis, Care and Share assembled a special, extended team: a total of 21 people (including the 7 on the ministry team) who’ve volunteered to do grocery shopping, run errands, and pick up and deliver medication to people in need. As yet, we have not been notified of specific needs. Please let us know if you need assistance – our team is ready, willing and able to lend a hand to support you.
The Care and Share team corresponds with one another several times weekly, discussing support needs and working to meet them. Until distancing is lifted, we’ll meet via Zoom.
Many, many volunteers support St. Paul’s Care & Share ministry by sharing their gifts of service generously with members of our community in need year-round: providing meals to those in need, rides to church services and medical appointments, and many other things to support our families in times of personal challenge. We look forward to re-engaging in person with our volunteer corps once the pandemic is behind us!
Again, if you know of anyone in need of special support during this tender and challenging time, please be in touch with Margie Best, mwbest@bellsouth.net or Melonie Wigley, melonie.wigley@att.net