Loving our neighbors is the second of God's great commandments, and St. Andrew's offers many programs to help those who face different kinds of problems: hospital visits; home visits, including eucharistic visits; meal preparation; transportation; and help with odd jobs. In addition, a group of knitters creates prayer shawls, and our intercessory prayer circle offers up prayers for individuals.

Our pastoral care program offers every parishioner at least one way to demonstrate that love with some concrete service activity, and also offers every parishioner help when needed.

If you need pastoral care or know of someone who might benefit from some intervention or from one or more pastoral care services, please notify the monthly coordinator or one of the clergy. The monthly coordinator is announced in The Chimes.

Joining the Pastoral Care Team

Our Pastoral Care Program relies on a number of volunteers. Most volunteer in response to a feeling of wanting to help someone else in need and gain the inner happiness which this kind of service brings them. Others also volunteer in response to God's second great commandment: to love one's neighbor as oneself.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Pastoral Care Team, here are some of things you could do:

• Become a Coordinator of Pastoral Services for one month and call those who have volunteered to provide a specific service when their help is needed.
• Visit a sick parishioner in the hospital or nursing home.
• Knit a prayer shawl for someone in need. (Directions and materials are provided.)
• Train to become a Lay Eucharistic Minister and take communion to others.
• Join a circle of those who pray regularly for the sick and others in need. (Anyone, even someone with physical limitations, can participate in this prayer circle.)
• Do occasional "odd jobs" such as one-time help with moving or lawn care.
• Help with transportation (for example, to a doctor's appointment), errands, or shopping. (This service is usually a one-time commitment.)
• Prepare a home-cooked meal for someone for temporary support or need.
• Help set up for or pick up prepared food for special events at the church, such as a reception following a funeral.
• Call or visit someone who may be in need of a personal connection at their home.
• Address and mail a card from St. Andrew's to someone for a special occasion or in special need. (Cards and stamps are provided.)