When you consider the role of Pastoral Care in a large congregation, your thoughts may go in many directions. You are on target! That is why our hearts reach out to many persons across the spectrum of Church of the Nativity.  Our care includes the typical expectations of hospital visits and ministry at the time of death. Yet other circumstances always occur, and we respond!

 Pastoral care involves clergy and laity responding to challenges of faith, life crises, and ordinary questions along our various paths. This caring may include a note to ease a long recovery, calls to those awaiting surgery, meals to those who are bereaved, and visits to those in nursing homes. It may mean connecting a young family with elders who have no family. It is prayer with one who is anxious about a loved one’s well-being. It is guidance through decisions about family issues. A prayer shawl is knitted and given to one in hospice care.  New babies are welcomed; memorial services are planned. A parishioner speaks with a priest about concerns for a teen or aging parent. Spiritual and emotional needs are individual and particular. Thus we seek to minister to members in specific ways as needs arise. It is always preparing the way for the Lord so that God’s presence may be known.  Listed here are the ministries that may be of help to you, or in which you may wish to participate:

 In addition, we want to know if you or a loved one is in the hospital or in need of special prayers. Please be in touch with Rev. Mary Anne Akin, 533-2455, ext. 222 or mary.akin@nativity-hsv.org

 Staff Liaison: Ministry Assistant, 533-2455, ext. 203
Vestry Liaison: Marilyn Lands, 464-0669

Nativity Friends- Our Connections for Care
Opportunities for caring in our parish that fit your schedule, interest and talent – short term volunteer times and assignments:

*Seasonal visits with a small gift (cookies, Advent wreath, flowers from your yard)*Temporary Shut-ins
*Long-term illness
*Temporary Crisis
*Transportation to Church
*Card Ministry
*Your Special Talent (soup, pet care, prayer beads, etc)

Contact: Rev. Mary Anne Akin, 533-2455, ext. 222

Bereavement Guild
Ministry to families following the death of a parishioner – assistance with needs of the moment. Teams are in place for various areas of the city. 

Contact: Rev. Mary Anne Akin, 533-2455, ext. 222 or Ministry Assistant, Staff Liaison, Ext. 203

Bereavement Bread
Delivery of Bread and Jam following the death of an out-of-town family member. 

Contact: Rev. Mary Anne Akin, 533-2455, ext 222

Guild of the Christ Child
A visit (and gift of a meal) to families at home with new babies, connecting mothers and couples to others with similar interests.

Contact: Mary Beth Wilson, 539-0361

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayerful handwork at home or in a group at Church on Tuesdays (1PM). Shawls and lap robes as an expression of prayer for those in crisis, grief, or other need. 

Contact: Gail Brown, 880-1149

Feed My Sheep
A meal to those who are recuperating from serious illness or hospitalization. Monthly Teams for Preparation and Delivery.

Contact: Sherry Sampson, 461-9127

Hospital Visitors
Lay Ministry to parishioners and their families in non-Critical Care units. Assignments are monthly for one day per week, Monday – Friday.

Contact: Merilee Allen, 498-5060

Lay Visitors
Monthly visits to homebound parishioners. 

Contact: Laura Brown, 564-8343

Eucharistic Visitors
Parishioners take Communion monthly to those who are homebound. Training and licensing annually. 

Contact: Cheryl Watts, 822-4968

Stephen Ministers
Small group that has undergone extensive training to be Spiritual Companions for listening during a long or short term crisis.  Relationship is confidential. 

Contact: Rev. Mary Anne Akin, 533-2455, ext. 222

 Touch Base MinistryTouch Base Ministry is a telephone ministry.  Volunteers make calls to parishioners to share in celebration and sorrow. 

Contact: Rae Starnes, 539-9093