Lay Pastoral Care through "A Community of Hope"

Acting on Feedback from Focus on the Future
A WITNESS BY LINDA WALTON

“I have been looking for a way to plug in….” and “I was looking for a way to reengage, and then the letter arrived.” These are but a few of the observations of people carefully considering their role in the emerging lay pastoral care ministry at Christ Church.


The desire for a vibrant and enduring lay pastoral care ministry was clearly communicated during our Focus on the Future sessions and later stated in the Parish Profile used to recruit our rector. Participants recognized a need for Christ Church of the future to be a place where clergy still focus on pastoral care yet aren’t stretched too thinly. Ideally this will be done, in part, through better development of lay leadership.

Thankfully, there is a "A School for God's service" — the Community of Hope International. The mission of Community of Hope is “to create Christian communities of lay volunteer pastoral care givers united in prayer, shaped by Benedictine spirituality, and equipped for and serving in pastoral care ministries.” Christ Church is joining an organization which is already established throughout the world.

The Community of Hope uses a 14 week, 42-hour curriculum to equip caregivers for this ministry. After the training, caregivers are commissioned as lay pastoral ministers. Commissioned pastoral caregivers then agree to participate in The Circle of Care, which is a monthly group meeting where they worship together, take part in continuing education, and report and debrief on their visitations. The program demands intentional dedication but rewards by strengthening community relationships and growing awareness of the presence of God in our lives.

This ministry is a gift of grace to both care receivers and care givers. More importantly, it is a gift from Christ:

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. — Ephesians 4:11-12

You will hear more about this ministry as it develops and classes are scheduled. But you can also learn more by visiting www.ccerva.org/care or contacting The Rev. Robin Teasley. Please keep this new ministry and the volunteers in your prayers as they work to effectively deliver it to Christ Church.

- Linda Walton is one of the lay leaders called to implement A Community of Hope here at Christ Church.

Faith in Action

On September 25,  congregations around the world participated in Social Media Sunday. This was an opportunity to express ourselves and share our faith online. It was inspiring to see members of the CCE community engaged as digital disciples. Thank you for participating!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SOME OF THE POSTS

Love Your Neighbor

A WITNESS BY LAURA LAFAYETTE

In the gospel of Matthew, when Jesus is asked which is the greatest commandment, he replies: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” At this point, he has answered the question; but he goes on to say: “and the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus explicitly links the command to live in right relationship with God to living in right relationships with our fellow human beings. Many resources can aid our efforts to live in right relationship with God: the biblical texts, sermons that provide insights into the texts, the opportunity to gather in worship, and spiritual disciplines—chief among them, prayer.

But how are we to love our neighbors? Our neighbors must be fed, clothed, sheltered; that’s why so many at Christ Church are involved in ministries that meet basic needs. That’s essential. Those needs will always be there; and they must always be met.

And yet, what if we could envision a regional community in which the necessity for these kinds of yeoman efforts to meet basic needs was few and far between, a community in which each and every one of us—no matter the circumstances of our birth—had an opportunity to flourish? For me, to “love your neighbor” is to work towards the creation of “communities of opportunity.” Communities of opportunity are communities that boast attractive, affordable housing—both rental and owner occupied. These houses line safe streets. The children in these homes have the opportunity to attend high performing public schools. The adults earn wages that enable them to meet the needs of their loved ones. The jobs, education, and housing are all linked by a multi-modal public transit system that stretches across the region. And woven throughout all of this is a rich tapestry of natural and cultural amenities that are accessible and affordable to all. In a nutshell, the goal of building communities of opportunity is to secure social justice through public policy.

So advocating for Bus Rapid Transit, working to pass bond referendums that will funnel more money to schools, changing zoning codes to allow for the development of affordable housing (even in the suburbs!)—all are acts of loving our neighbors. The pursuit of social justice through systemic changes in public policy presents us with a chance not only to transform our neighbors’ lives but ours as well. When I lobby local governments, I speak their language—budget priorities, cost-savings, return on investment, etc. And every word of that is true; social justice is the most efficacious, cost efficient public policy we could possibly pursue. But I know as well that my faith compels the work; because to love our God is to love and serve our neighbors.

—Laura Lafayette is the chair of our Missions & Outreach Ministry Team and is the chair of the board of directors for the Better Housing Coalition.

Growing, Serving, Celebrating!

Yesterday was a wonderful day of growing, serving, and celebrating at CCE! The ministry fair and Block Party brought together hundreds of folks and we feel so blessed to be surrounded by such a vibrant community. A big THANK YOU to our community partners who helped make it happen -- Henrico County Police Department, Henrico County Division of Fire, East of Afton, Jadean's Smokin' Six O, Cheezilla's Grilled Cheese, Sweet Cakes RVA, Slideways Mobile Bistro, Mister Softee Richmond VA -- and many more helping hands, including our dedicated lay leaders who organized the event.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOBUCKET

Where our treasure is...

BY BECKY COMSTOCK

Pictured: Jack Morley & Becky Comstock with over 100 Jack Packs

One of my favorite things about working with children has always been watching how their amazing joyous spirits react to the world around them. It’s often in stark contrast to how we as adults respond to daily realities of life and circumstance. It was with intent and enthusiasm, therefore, that I watched these little spirits unfold during our week of Vacation Bible School.

As leader of elementary missions & crafts activities for the week, I worked with various mission organizations to plan crafts for VBS participants to complete that will then be donated to help those organizations’ causes. For example, this year kids made close to 125 dog and cat toys for animals at the Richmond SPCA; we decorated and packed 245 lunches for our CARITAS guests (minus sandwiches); they made 20 fleece blankets for patients at Crossover Ministry and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU; and they created approximately 120 activity packs to be given to pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at VCU.

While they demonstrated immense spirits of generosity and caring throughout the activities that week, it was perhaps most evident on the day we made “Jack Packs” to be given to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. To share about ASK’s mission - and the inspiration for Jack Packs themselves - the children listened intently as Christ Church member Jack Morley, his mom Krissi and his sister Addi shared the story of his battle with childhood cancer. At 6 years old, Jack was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a type of kidney cancer, and underwent 6 months of treatment including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

VBS children creating "Jack Packs"

While there, the Morleys became part of the ASK family. ASK’s mission is to provide Assistance, Support and Kindness to patients and their families undergoing treatment at the clinic. Jack and everyone benefited from the love and support provided by this amazing organization, and when he finally tested cancer-free a little more than a year ago, one of the first things on his mind was giving back. He had the idea of creating “Jack Packs” to be distributed to other patients at the clinic. These bags would contain games, toys and activities to keep young minds occupied and help break up the boredom of endless days stuck in a hospital room. They also provide a little reminder that someone cares.

Shortly after their Jack Pack endeavor, Krissi Morley contacted the Children’s Ministry Team to share the idea and find out if ASK might be an organization that would align with our mission goals. Of course, it was the perfect fit! Not only was the cause worthwhile, but it would be incredibly impact to engage our children in spreading God’s love through service work they can relate to.  

Matthew 6:21 tells us,“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

As a parent, my greatest desire is to raise children who will serve the Lord and help make our world a better place. It’s a lofty goal in today’s world, but I know that all of the experiences I give them are working together to shape their values and beliefs about what’s most important. They treasure performing acts of love and kindness and helping others. I witnessed all 120 of our young VBS participants treasure the time they spent creating items to be donated. They worked alongside their new friend Jack, drawing pictures and writing inspirational messages like “You’re a superstar!” and “Just keep swimming.” They chose games, puzzles and crafts to fill their bags that they knew they would enjoy doing themselves. And in the end, I know they all returned home that week with hearts a little more full of Jesus’ love.

 — Becky Comstock serves on the Children's Ministry Team.

A Week of Blessings

BY LAURA MCNALLY

Teenagers scared me (even though I have one and almost two of them!), I preferred to work with little kids Angel Wing choir style, I didn't think I had the skills to relate to a group of them, not to mention sleeping on an air mattress in a room full of people...my excuses were all lined up!

Laura McNally feels blessed to have
served with youth like Willa Dunkum.

So, when Adam Williams, our minister to students, approached me to consider chaperoning this year's Mid-High mission trip to Raleigh, NC, all of these thoughts were at the top of my mind and on the tip of my tongue. However, somehow I felt a little nudge to give this some deeper thought before rattling off my list of reasons why I couldn't possibly be suited for this role. I thought a little bit about how stepping out of my comfort zone may be a real chance for growth and I thought a little bit about how giving up some of the creature comforts I was so used to (and took for granted) may help me to develop more of a servant's heart, and I thought a little bit about how helping people in the community of Raleigh alongside those youth could help me show and feel God's love, which was something I was called to do.

So, I said yes!  Though I worked a lot on my positive attitude in preparation for the trip, I was still privately picturing myself muddling through the week and hoping just to survive until Friday.  Little did I know I would not just survive, I would thrive!

What a joy it was to be around our enthusiastic, kind-hearted youth and what a privilege to see them serve with willing and open hearts!  I got to develop relationships not only with our youth and our other adult leaders, but with the youth and adult leaders from other churches as well.  

We all learned together how "We love because God first loved us" (I John 4:19), which was our theme for the week. Though hard work each day at our service sites (including manual labor at places like Raleigh Parks and Rec, Shepherd Youth Ranch and various food pantry sites, or relational work at places like nursing homes, childcare centers and clothing closets), we learned to show God's love by putting aside our own needs and focusing on the needs of others.  Through fun nighttime activities like a downtown scavenger hunt, science museum trip, an amazing, joyful and passionate worship service at an African-American Baptist church, we all grew closer as we showed God's love to each other. Though group worship each evening, we connected to our God in very meaningful ways.

After all the blessings I felt in my life during my week with the mid-high youth in Raleigh, I can safely now say that chaperoning another youth mission trip is solidly on my bucket list!

Art as a Way to Grow Closer to God

BY VERONICA WILL

My experience at youth group has never been anything except positive.  The people are always kind and fun to talk to, the activities raise a sense of friendly competition, and worship connects us together.  However, with all of these great things, youth group never stuck out to me.  I enjoyed being there, but the amount I went slowly declined, and I didn’t fully understand why.

Turns out, my creative gene was partially to blame.

Veronica Will is 16 years

old and a rising senior

at Henrico High School

As a self-proclaimed artist (of mostly the theater variety, but with the artist strain still in me), my art has always been a social outlet for me.  I mostly keep to myself (and yes, I am aware of the irony in an introverted theater kid), and I consider myself more of a listener than a contributor when it comes to social situations. So, when my mom told me about this art activity, I was thrilled. This sounded like the perfect opportunity to get involved in youth group in a way that gave me an opportunity to thrive and be in my element. It was very helpful that Adam Williams sent out a message about what we were doing at youth group that week, because it gave me the opportunity to participate in a meaningful experience.

Art is a vital part of worship.  It is a way to take your feelings and relationship with God and express it into a physical image. So many people across the world and throughout history use art to break through barriers like language and cultural differences and connect through the love of God. Look at the intricate stained glass windows in old churches, or the painting on the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. God has shown himself in art throughout history, so what better way to connect a group of young Christians?

To me, art is a way to grow closer to myself and my relationship with God.  Through poetry, performance, and painting I have been able to grow as a person and reflect on my spirituality.  It’s my main source of communication, with both God and my peers, so to be able to participate in this form of expression that is close to me and share it with other people made this experience very important to me.  Everyone worships differently, and the consideration of the artistically inclined leads to a stronger community, and gives people the opportunity to explore other methods of practicing spirituality.