Care & Concern

A culture of care

At crisis moments and in daily living, God’s mercy and consolation are present – through the attentive listening and compassion of God’s people. A prayer, a caring touch, a safe place to voice disappointments and distress – these are signs of God’s grace.

Hospitalizations

Our pastoral team extends the care and support of the faith community during hospital stays. St. Paul people: Please call the church office whenever you (or a family member) are admitted to the hospital. Privacy laws and short hospital stays sometimes slow the channel of notification. Without your contact to the church, it’s quite likely that pastors will not hear of the hospitalization in any other way. Contact: Mackenzie Griffin

Pastoral counseling

Sometimes a listening ear is needed to sort out life’s challenges and concerns. The people of St. Paul trust in the confidence and care of our pastoral counseling team. Place a call to the church office or to a pastor.

St. Paul counselor

The St. Paul counselor is available to supplement the counseling services of our pastors. His service to St. Paul members and the community is free of charge, and assists those who may be going through a difficult transition, struggling in relationships, experiencing depression or anxiety, working through some trauma, or in need of a listening ear. Contact: Steve Kalber

The Prayer Team

The Prayer Team works quietly and steadily behind the scenes. If you have a prayer request, call the Prayer Team. It may be for a problem or illness, or in praise or thanksgiving. No request is too small. Requests are worded for confidentiality. Contact: Paula McPherson

Additional caring groups & ministries

Blood Donor Day: Give the gift of life. Blood donation is a simple process that takes about 45 minutes. St. Paul hosts blood drives twice a year. Contact: Sara Olson-Smith

Dementia Caregivers Group: Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. All who walk this journey are welcome to gather to share ideas, gather resources, support one another, and learn how to nurture one’s own needs while supporting a loved one. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Guest speakers share every fourth Tuesday. All caregivers are welcome. Steve Kalber and Kathy Becker facilitate. Contact: Sara Olson-Smith

Walking the Grief Journey: A supportive, compassionate series for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This group explores anger, depression, fears, acceptance, and new strength for a hopeful future. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith is a facilitator. Offered twice a year. Contact: Sara Olson-Smith

Home communion: Illness or age sidelines many of our members from worship. In-Home Communion wraps them warmly into congregational life. Carrying along special communion kits, volunteers visit our homebound members in care facilities and private homes on the first Sundays of February, May, August, and November. Contact: Mackenzie Griffin

Care Companions: Care Companions are not experts or counselors, but those who walk alongside other church members and share their journey for a time. Friendship, presence, and prayer are their tools. Those interested can join at any time throughout the year. Contact: Sara Olson-Smith

Friends and family of suicide support: Offering support for those who have lost a friend or family member to suicide at any time, this monthly gathering is for care, compassion, and encouragement. Held on the first Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. Contact: Deb and Joe James.

Living with the loss of a child: As parents who have lost a child, this group gathers together to share, learn, and grow together in faith and wholeness. For any parent who has experienced the loss of a child and looks for connections and shared experiences with others. Second Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m. Contact: Teresa Keller

Quilters: This group of caring quilters, beginners and experts alike, gather monthly on the third Tuesday to sew, tie, cut, and piece together beautiful works of art that are donated to those in need. They also welcome those who would like to cut squares or sew quilt tops at home. Contact: Belinda Holbrook

St. Paul diaper ministry: Led by Sara Harless, this ministry collects and distributes diapers and wipes for families connected to Tapestry Farms’ work with immigrant and refugee communities. The diaper ministry is currently seeking donations of diapers and wipes to help grow their supply. Contact: Sara Harless

Spontaneous Serving: Spontaneous Serving is a group whose mission is to connect those with the time and a desire to help St. Paul members or community organizations in need. Commitments are one-time and less than two hours, such as taking someone to a medical appointment, staying with a family member, run errands, or helping with tasks. Requests are distributed through the St. Paul app, or by calling the church office, 563-326-3547. Volunteers and service requests are welcome. Contact: Lori Byerly

Care & concern: Sara Olson-Smith