A new ministry at Christ Church

This week I’d like to use this column to invite you into a new ministry that is in formation here at Christ Church. First, I’d like to share a passage of Scripture with you.

Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.” (Matthew 34-40)

This passage reminds us that when we take action for justice and mercy for each other, we are being just and merciful to the face of Christ in each other—something we promise in our baptismal covenant, as we promise to “Seek and serve Christ in all persons.” Christ Church has a number of parishioners who have difficulty coming to church, who would love to have a visit from a fellow Christ Church-er. Would you be willing to visit with someone? We’ll begin with a short training on Saturday, June 28, from 9 to 11. We’ll talk about the spirituality of the ministry, as well as some practical instruction. One aspect of this ministry will be bringing communion to homebound persons. Those who desire can become certified Eucharistic visitors, so they would be able to bring the sacrament with them on their visits (If you’d prefer not to, that’s OK)

As a priest, I do good amount of pastoral visiting (of course no pastor ever gets to as many visits as he or she hopes to), and I’m always struck by how welcoming and enriching these visits are for me. In ministry it is a cliché to say that the minister is actually the one being ministered to, but it’s still frequently true. People have such deep wisdom to share with each other, and it’s so rare that we actually sit down just to listen to another person. Please let me know if you’d like to join this ministry, or if you’d like to have someone come to visit you.