Seniors Ministry
Fellowship
Caring Ministries
Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
The Caring
Ministry of our household of faith is accomplished as each one of us shares
the love of Christ. Staff and deacons share the leadership responsibility
for Caring Ministries.
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness,
and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Scripture calls us to select
persons of spiritual character, honest reputations, exemplary lives, brotherly
and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment for this office.
Deacons minister in the following ways at First Pres, San Diego:
Bereavement Support
…I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
Deacons offer support during times of grief. This includes GriefShare, a 13-week video seminar, designed to help families and friends recover from the loss of a loved one. Deacons also arrange for receptions following Memorial Services. Our Meal Ministry is available to bereaved families in the weeks and months following a loss.
Also available for assistance in planning for the future is the “Legacy of Love”, a worksheet on which a person can document preferences that will assist their loved ones should they become seriously disabled or die.
Hospital Visitation
…Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
Caring for the sick and infirm is an excellent way to show love for your neighbor. Deacons visit or call those who’ve been hospitalized or are recuperating.
Hospitality
Offer hospitality to one another… I Peter 4:9
Dinners and
receptions provide opportunities for meaningful fellowship. Examples are
the annual reception for parents and students of City Tree Christian School
and church-wide dinners. Deacons coordinate and help serve at these functions.
Another aspect of the Hospitality ministry is greeting worshipers and
providing information to visitors on Sunday mornings.Meal Ministry
Meals are provided as evidence of our care and concern for those who are
temporarily unable to cook for themselves or just need to know someone
cares about them.
Prayer Ministry
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found… Psalm 32.6
Prayer is of utmost importance in the life of a Christian. It is in prayer that we praise God, petition him and please him. Members and friends of our church gather in the sanctuary for prayer Monday through Saturday. Deacons and elders are available for prayer and praise in the Prayer Room after each Sunday service.
Seniors Ministry
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress… James 1:27
Our Household of Faith has a number of seniors who are shut-in or very elderly. Senior Care Teams and Senior Friends join with deacons in caring for our older brothers and sisters. A Senior Friend contacts his or her “senior” monthly with a note, call or visit. Senior Friends are encouraged to request meals or other services from the deacons as needs arise. An incidental, but important, part of these friendships is delivering a flowering plant at Easter and Christmas.
