Pastoral Care Commission, 2004

One of Emmanuel's strengths is the way the community rallies when a member of our church family is in a time of transition, distress or illness. In a parish the size of Emmanuel, there is much that needs to be done, as well as many willing and capable hands to share in the work. There are several ministries in the parish which assist the clergy in meeting the needs of the members of the Emmanuel family. These ministries include Agape Meals (Linda Dodson), Guild of the Christ Child (Cindy McAlister), and Stephen Ministry and Tracts (Pat Oliffe and Ann Darby).

— Allison Clements

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

Founded in 1885 as an outgrowth of a women's bible study class, The Order of the Daughters of the King is focused on "prayer, service and the spread of Christ's kingdom, especially among women and girls." There are approximately 30,000 members in the U.S. About 6 to 8 new chapters are instituted each year in this diocese. There are more than 2,000 Daughters in Uganda, and chapters in Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti and Japan.

Nationally the Order meets triennially before General Convention to pray for the Church and the convention's decisions. The Provincial assembly meets every October at Kanuga with a briefer meeting in June.

Each year, the Atlanta Diocesan Assembly sponsors a general meeting in February, a retreat at Camp Mikell in April, and several quiet days around the diocese. Daughters individually endeavor to live their lives from a stance of prayer and praise, strengthened by their community. The sponsored events are designed to help us grow spiritually as we journey, and are always open to everyone.

— Kay Hoyt

AGAPE MEALS

Agape is defined as (1) Christian love, and (2) In the early Christian church, the love feast accompanied by Eucharistic education.

Volunteers on this committee cook simple meals for people during times of need. Whether it is when someone is in the hospital, when there is a death in the family, or at other times, it is a wonderful way in which we can show Christian love towards one another. The time is minimal — volunteers will be called upon periodically and with as much notice as possible. You don't have to be a culinary master; simple meals are best and always appreciated.

GUILD OF THE CHRIST CHILD

The Guild of the Christ Child is a ministry that supports families from pregnancy through birth and baptism. Guild members are available to help in many ways, including prayer lists, notification of births, delivering meals, and supplying information on choosing godparents and baptism. This is a joyful time for these families, as well as a time of celebration for our church family, as we welcome these newest members into our family in Christ at Emmanuel.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

The Stephen Ministry program at Emmanuel provides confidential pastoral care on a one-to-one basis for people going through difficult transitional times in their lives. Our care receivers are often members of Emmanuel, but we frequently serve people who are outside our church community. Referrals for care come from many sources: members of Emmanuel, clergy, friends, community professionals and Stephen Ministers themselves. Stephen Ministry services are offered at no charge.

We currently have 14 active Stephen Ministers. They give a minimum of two years service, meeting twice per month for peer supervision and continuing education. When assigned a care receiver, they meet weekly with that person. The Stephen leaders, Pat Oliffe and Ann Darby, are responsible for placing referrals, on-going group supervision, continuing education opportunities, training new Stephen Ministers and maintaining a close relationship with our clergy regarding the ministry. Stephen leaders usually serve for 3 years. Ann Darby attended training in August 2004 and has taken over from retiring leader Pat Hall. Mother Mandy is currently serving as pastor and advisor to the Stephen Ministers. Continuing education is an important component of our ministry. Last year we studied the different stages of life and their effect on the family. The main thrust of this year has been empowerment through prayer.

Stephen Ministers participate in pastoral care in other ways as needed, such as assisting the clergy by doing hospital visits each Saturday and on some holidays. Our volunteers receive specific training regarding such visits. Stephen Ministers also maintain the tract rack in the alcove near the church office providing Care Notes that address a variety of topics such as stress, life changes, grief and illness.

Stephen Leader Pat Oliffe has also been helping a group at St. Joseph's Catholic Church who wish to start a Stephen Ministry.



	Pastoral Care Commission
One of Emmanuel's strengths is the way the community rallies when a member of our church family is in a time of transition, distress or illness. In a parish the size of Emmanuel, there is much that needs to be done, as well as many willing and capable hands to share in the work. There are several ministries in the parish which assist the clergy in meeting the needs of the members of the Emmanuel family. These ministries include Agape Meals (Linda Dodson), Guild of the Christ Child (Cindy McAlister), and Stephen Ministry and Tracts (Pat Oliffe and Ann Darby). — Allison Clements DAUGHTERS OF THE KING Founded in 1885 as an outgrowth of a women's bible study class, The Order of the Daughters of the King is focused on "prayer, service and the spread of Christ's kingdom, especially among women and girls." There are approximately 30,000 members in the U.S. About 6 to 8 new chapters are instituted each year in this diocese. There are more than 2,000 Daughters in Uganda, and chapters in Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti and Japan. Nationally the Order meets triennially before General Convention to pray for the Church and the convention's decisions. The Provincial assembly meets every October at Kanuga with a briefer meeting in June. Each year, the Atlanta Diocesan Assembly sponsors a general meeting in February, a retreat at Camp Mikell in April, and several quiet days around the diocese. Daughters individually endeavor to live their lives from a stance of prayer and praise, strengthened by their community. The sponsored events are designed to help us grow spiritually as we journey, and are always open to everyone. — Kay Hoyt AGAPE MEALS Agape is defined as (1) Christian love, and (2) In the early Christian church, the love feast accompanied by Eucharistic education. Volunteers on this committee cook simple meals for people during times of need. Whether it is when someone is in the hospital, when there is a death in the family, or at other times, it is a wonderful way in which we can show Christian love towards one another. The time is minimal — volunteers will be called upon periodically and with as much notice as possible. You don't have to be a culinary master; simple meals are best and always appreciated. GUILD OF THE CHRIST CHILD The Guild of the Christ Child is a ministry that supports families from pregnancy through birth and baptism. Guild members are available to help in many ways, including prayer lists, notification of births, delivering meals, and supplying information on choosing godparents and baptism. This is a joyful time for these families, as well as a time of celebration for our church family, as we welcome these newest members into our family in Christ at Emmanuel. STEPHEN MINISTRY The Stephen Ministry program at Emmanuel provides confidential pastoral care on a one-to-one basis for people going through difficult transitional times in their lives. Our care receivers are often members of Emmanuel, but we frequently serve people who are outside our church community. Referrals for care come from many sources: members of Emmanuel, clergy, friends, community professionals and Stephen Ministers themselves. Stephen Ministry services are offered at no charge. We currently have 14 active Stephen Ministers. They give a minimum of two years service, meeting twice per month for peer supervision and continuing education. When assigned a care receiver, they meet weekly with that person. The Stephen leaders, Pat Oliffe and Ann Darby, are responsible for placing referrals, on-going group supervision, continuing education opportunities, training new Stephen Ministers and maintaining a close relationship with our clergy regarding the ministry. Stephen leaders usually serve for 3 years. Ann Darby attended training in August 2004 and has taken over from retiring leader Pat Hall. Mother Mandy is currently serving as pastor and advisor to the Stephen Ministers. Continuing education is an important component of our ministry. Last year we studied the different stages of life and their effect on the family. The main thrust of this year has been empowerment through prayer. Stephen Ministers participate in pastoral care in other ways as needed, such as assisting the clergy by doing hospital visits each Saturday and on some holidays. Our volunteers receive specific training regarding such visits. Stephen Ministers also maintain the tract rack in the alcove near the church office providing Care Notes that address a variety of topics such as stress, life changes, grief and illness. Stephen Leader Pat Oliffe has also been helping a group at St. Joseph's Catholic Church who wish to start a Stephen Ministry.