Good Samaritan Ministry - Grief and Support Group

God is love.  I John 4:8 (EHS)

A few years ago my church started a Good Samaritan Ministry - Grief and Support Group.  The purpose of the group was to provide comfort and support for members who had lost a loved one. 

I had lost my husband, father, in-laws, grandparents, and other family and friends so the Word in II Corinthians 1:3-5 applied: 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows."    II Corinthians 1:3-5 (EHS)

A friend in Bible study shared the passages to explain why her purse was stolen...so she could comfort others when they were the victims of theft. Think of situations in your life you can apply the passages and how you can give comfort to others. 

An idea the committee chose to develop and pursue was sending cards.  We decided in order to involve more members, we would coordinate a fellowship group to make the cards. The committee members could then write messages and mail the cards.

Two Stampin' Up demonstrators belonged to our congregation and provided the stamps, inks, and layout.  The cardmaking group made approximately 60 gorgeous cards to use in our ministry.  During our fellowship gathering, a conversation was started regarding shut-in members.  The woman who sent Christmas cards to shut-ins had died and no one knew if anyone had replaced her.  We checked with the pastors and church office and found another area to expand our cardmaking and bring comfort to others.

Last year, we mailed approximately 125 cards to members who had lost loved ones and 345 cards to shut-in members. 

We mail cards to members who have lost loved ones:

1-Six months after the date of passing,

2-One year date of passing,  and

3-Birth date.

4-A surviving spouse would receive a card on the wedding anniversary.  

5-We also send cards on Christmas, Valentine's Day, and other holidays.

We mailed cards to the shut-ins six times or every two months during the year:

1-Valentine's Day, 

2-Easter, 

3-Ascension and Pentecost, 

4-July 4th, 

5-Fall (Thanksgiving), and 

6-Christmas. 

For the shut-ins, we also made flannel pillowcases in fall to remind them of God's love and comfort. 

During Stampin' Up Sal-a-bration, we selected four packages of the Oh So Ombre Paper and will use the paper to make "Thinking of You" cards for the grief and support group.

We also assisted in the Saints Triumphant service and processional where we recognize those members who have gone to heaven in the prior year.  The congregation is invited to join the processional and insert a carnation in memory of loved ones.

God is Love!