What is Parish Visitor Ministry?

	It is a one-to-one ministry by trained, caring parishioners.
	It is a long term (at least one year) helping relationship focusing on the unique needs of the person.
	It is a commitment to provide care and support on behalf of the church.
	It is a response to Christ's instructions... "to love one another as I have loved you."
	It is a program of care giving and continuing education which is working in many churches throughout the country.
	It is a ministry similar to that of Stephen's, who was commissioned by the apostles in the early church to care for the community's needs.

Who are Parish Visitors?

	Lay persons, men or women, who share their gifts for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are lonely, ill, grieving, strangers, new parents, or experiencing other stress in life.
	Caring persons who reach out a supporting hand to the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of an individual in our church or community.

Types of Needs?
People who are... lonely shut-in depressed hospitalized terminally ill grieving a loss caring for the dying separated or divorced in trouble with the law experiencing loss in job transition working through a difficult time in one's life

Know Someone?

If you or someone you know would benefit from the one-to-one caring of a Parish Visitor, please contact one of the church pastors at 610-777-7107.

Parish Visitor Training

An in-depth training program prepares interested persons to become Parish Visitors, equipping them to care for the diverse needs of a congregation. Their 20 hours of training includes topics such as:

	feelings
	listening
	assertiveness
	confidentiality
	tele-care
	use of prayer
	being professional
	family systems
	other specialized "needs", topics on grief, divorce, depression, older persons, hospitalization, stress, etc.

Following training, the Parish Visitors are commissioned by our congregation and assigned to active, caring ministries.
People in need of support are matched with a Parish Visitor through the office of Parish Life.
Parish Visitors work in continual consultation with our pastors and receive ongoing education and support in their caring and supportive endeavors.

The ministry of a Parish Visitor is...

A lay, caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need.
An on-going helping relationship. People who need help, get help.
A meaningful way for our church to more fully use our talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.

A Parish Visitor is...

A caring Christian - desiring to offer his/her support to others in time of need.
A sharing Christian - bringing who he/she is to each helping relationship, as a partner in another's life experiences.
A trained Christian - having developed helping skills through intensive course work.
A dedicated Christian - commissioned by our church to confidential, in-depth caring.

How about you?

If you or someone you know would like to consider becoming a Parish Visitor, or would like more information, please contact Immanuel United Church of Christ's  office, call 610-777-7107.