Get to know the Grace Care Team

Grace, these are crazy times we’re living in, aren’t they? We need each other now more than ever!

I’m so glad that we have hope in a God who is in control, and a church family that is full of kind and caring people. Thank you for reaching out to support and care for each other during this difficult time.

You’re being the church in new and creative ways!

During this time, we continue to focus efforts on building up our Grace Care Team in order to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our church body. Since this is a fairly new ministry team (just about a year old), I conducted an “email interview” with the chair of our Grace Care Team, Jill Moore, so you could learn more about how God is using their ministry.

Here’s what she shared with me:  

Juli Dirks: What is the Grace Care Team? Why did this special team start?

Jill Moore: Galatians 6:2 expresses our purpose, “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Grace Care Team was specifically organized to meet needs of the shut-ins and other seniors, people with long-term health issues, and new widows/widowers in our church.

We do this through being a visitor or phone prayer partner, offering transportation, arranging short-term meals, and helping with home repairs. When we “come alongside” a person, we infuse hope and the ability to keep going. They tangibly know someone cares and, most importantly, God cares.

JD: Why is the Grace Care Team an especially important part of Grace's ministry right now, during this pandemic?

JM: Fear and isolation can increase loneliness. Everyone needs connection. Getting a phone call from someone lets them hear that a real person is thinking of them and praying for them. A senior is more likely to tell us a specific need if there is relationship there. They, too, like to be independent and “not bother others." 

JD: Which kinds of needs are you finding to be most prevalent right now?

JM: This week most seniors are telling us they have what they need physically, but we notice in our phone calls that they carry burdens for their family members losing jobs and having surgeries being delayed. They have the same stress and fears all of us are tempted to carry—but they typically live alone.

Actually, the need for physical help with errands or food may escalate in the next 3 weeks depending on how long this continues. Someone to pray with now meets today’s need.  

JD: What can our church do support the Grace Care Team and those in our church who have needs?

JM: There are a number of ways:

  • Make phone calls or send cards. Who do you already have connections with? Who does God bring to mind? Call and tell that person you are acquainted with them from the church and want to know ways you could pray for them. Send someone a note of encouragement or make a new pen pal. Ask if they have other people checking on them. If no one is coming to mind, we can supply you with specific people who are longing for this connection.

  • Be eyes and ears for the Grace Care Team. If you discover a need that we can help with, tell us. Pray and tell them you are praying. I know it is true that all ages of people have special needs during this pandemic. Please strengthen your connections. And express your needs to the church, no matter what your age.  

  • Join our volunteer list. We are compiling a list of volunteers who are standing by to address other needs—transportation to doctor visits or church, food donations for funerals, going to get groceries, advice or help with home repair/improvement projects, help for seniors navigating computer/technology. Contact us to let us know you’re willing to use your gifts and skills to meet these needs.

  • Serve on our council. We are looking for a couple of additional people willing to serve with us in organizing our efforts to meet these needs.

I am praising God for using this pandemic to push us out of our busy, self-focused lifestyles and create in us the desire to care for one another. I, personally, have been strengthened and had my faith increase as I see God provide volunteers who become the hands and feet of Jesus to our church family.

JD: Thank you, Jill and team, for your passionate and compassionate work! Our church is blessed to have you.

So, Grace, this is a wonderful way to be the church during these uncertain times.

Let the Grace Care Team hear from you!

If you have a need or can help meet a need, here’s how you can let us know:

Hang in there, church! Lean into Jesus. I’m praying for God to meet you right where you are and bless you with peace and protection. 

Join us Sunday at 10:30am via Facebook Live as we worship together and start a walk through the comforting truths of Psalm 23.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries