CONTINUED CONNECTION

We began 2022 with a set of goals as follows:

1) Developing a collaboration with the new chaplain at Clermont Park to better serve those residents who are Episcopalian

2) Operationalization of our Eucharistic Visitors and recruiting additional members

3) Reviewing and revitalizing additional caring ministries

4) Looking for ways to support the grief that is, predictably, present in the parish

5) Developing a collaboration with the new chaplain at Clermont Park to better serve those residents who are Episcopalian

CLERMONT PARK

In 2022, after outreach by Fr. Terry and Fr. Joseph, we established a most cordial relationship with the Rev. Kendall Batten-Kalantzis, now ordained to the Episcopal priesthood, who is chaplain at Clermont Park. In April 2022, we began a monthly Eucharist service there, with Fr. Joseph and Mtr. Terri serving alternate months. Attendance has ranged from 6 to 16, depending on residents’ schedules and needs. Those who attend seem very pleased with the chance to participate; we have noted that even people with significant memory impairment pray along with the service and take communion. Rev. Batten-Kalantzis has been deeply respectful of the love our parishioners have for Christ Church, and has kept us in the loop when parishioners experience changes in condition, leave the facility, or die, and has been very supportive of our involvement in their care.

EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

We have fallen somewhat short of our goal of fully operationalizing this ministry; however, four EVs are making visits to parishioners, and we have additional EVs available to schedule. COVID continues to make some in the parish reluctant to have visitors in the home. Despite these factors, four Christ Church members are receiving regular visits from EVs.

REVIEW/REVITALIZATION OF CARING MINISTRIES

Assistance with meals has continued to be available through 2022, via volunteers and staff using MealTrain to invite others to participate. Review and revitalization of other ministries, including home visits and hospital visits, has been on hold pending the development and implementation of the new Vision. As my last day is January 8, 2023, plans for additional parish ministries will be handled by Fr. McGugan, Fr. John Wengrovius, and eventually a Pastoral Care Coordinator.

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT GRIEF

The year 2022 began and ended with deaths of beloved long-term members of Christ Church. Another well-known long-term member died in September. These deaths have been impactful upon the parish as a whole, and especially members of the parish particularly close to those who died. Throughout the year, a number of other parishioners and families have dealt with loss, illness, injuries, and age-related changes. Several have moved from independent living to senior communities and/or facilities for increased levels of support and care. Over 20 people who are or were members of Christ Church have died between the beginning of COVID and the end of the year 2022.

In 2022, we focused on support for those individuals and families who brought loss to our attention. It did not seem a time to raise a churchwide effort to deal with grief, since the church was moving back to a more “normal” operation of shared activities which was energizing to those who participated. There was a sense of weariness and need for re-engagement that was palpable. In addition, the big priority of the church was the new Vision, and there was strong response to preaching and educational opportunities related to that. It may be that in 2023 or 2024, assuming the move away from COVID as pandemic continues, that there will be enough distance from the acute phases that a reflective look back will be useful.

CONTINUING WORK

The 70+ task force has continued to meet monthly. Between that group, the Prayer Team, the Men’s Group, and the Emergency Prayer Team, the church is notified of most needs in the parish. Ministry groups continue to provide strong support for one another during times of need, and the charism of prayer continues to be a big piece of Christ Church’s common practice. As was the case in 2022, this sharing of information and provision of prayer support is accomplished almost solely by gifted volunteers, with clergy support.

MANY THANKS!

It has been my privilege to be here for four plus years, to see the church weather the global pandemic, and to come beside individuals and families in times of need. It has been my great joy to share ministry with the talented staff and members in the parish.