Messiah appoints Lay Pastoral Care Givers

These were the following people who were commissioned at the Sunday service, from left to right, Ken Reddemann, Marlys Reddemann, George and Connie McCabe, Gail MacLean, Beverly Gibby, Crystal McCabe, and Trudy Bennett. Another member, Edy Hantula was unable to be present that day.

On Sunday August 10, at the parish's Peachtree Pavilion, nine members of The Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Murphy were commissioned by TheRev. Dr. James A. Johnson, Rector of Messiah, to serve as Lay Pastoral Care Givers in a ministry of service to assist the Rector in long term follow up for parishioners who are facing an extended illness, recovery from an injury or a sudden loss. Thenewly commissioned members were presented that day by Carl May, Senior Warden of Messiah.

Members completed a 10 week training program that was sponsored by the Messiah chapter of the Order of St. Luke (an international religious order of clergy and laity devoted to healing ministries) in a program provided by the Alban Institute and the Church of Canada. The program entitled, "Developing the Caring Community" which included a variety of training topics: the art of listening, visitation in hospitals and homes, death and dying, grief counseling, how and when to refer for professional help, dealing with stress and crisis, the art of healing and hospitality, and Christian resources for healing. Lay pastoral care givers will serve as compassionate friends to those in need in much the same way that other programs such as Stephen's Ministers serve.

Each of the Lay Pastoral Care Givers was presented with a service cross and received a personal letter of congratulations on their accomplishment from TheRt. Rev. Porter Taylor, Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina.