Page 15 - Contact Summer 2018

Visiting Team Being on the visiting team is to be
recommended, as it has many benefits
Within our church, we are fortunate for all involved. It is nice to get to know
enough to have people with a wide our elderly members and to hear their
range of gifts and talents. For some, stories of the past. A good bond can
visiting members of our elderly be built up over the years with that
congregation is a privilege and an person and in some cases, their family.
honour and one that brings much joy This can be a real source of support
and many rewards to not only the and comfort, especially in a person’s
elderly person, but also the visitor. last days and to the family in their
Simply visiting and befriending a bereavement.
lonely person is biblical because we
are called to care for the elderly within We are in a privileged position to be
our church family. Jesus reminds us in able to be good witnesses to the
Matthew 25 v 40: people we visit and their families.
There are many lonely and elderly folk
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for within our congregation who would
one of the least of these brothers and definitely benefit from having a regular
sisters of mine, you did for Me’. visitor.

Many of the folk visited have Alison Coulter
contributed in many ways to the
church in their younger days, and If you would like to be involved in
supporting them in their time of need this ministry please call Nikki on
is appropriate. It is also about sharing 07930336369
the load in what is a very large church.
Bereavement Support/
The visiting team makes a big
difference to the lives of the elderly Griefshare
people within High Kirk. Many are
lonely and some may have no close Ongoing ministry and support to those
family nearby, so it is lovely for them to in our congregation who have been
see a friendly face on a regular basis. bereaved is always very important.
Just being there shows them that we As part of that support, we will be
care, that they are loved and valued running Griefshare in the Autumn
by us and, more importantly, by God. term, starting on 17th September.
Sharing God’s love for them through (https://www.griefshare.org/)
His promises and selected verses can
be very comforting for them, as is This is a program designed to help
prayer directed through conversations those who have been bereaved,
during the visit. Bringing a small gift whether recently or long ago, to learn
such as a packet of sweets, a bun or more about grief related issues and
a prepared meal, can make them feel hopefully find comfort and hope.
special. For those who are unable to
respond, it is important to pray with If you have benefitted from Griefshare,
them and for them. please encourage others to come,
or bring them along! Alternatively, if
you would be interested in attending,
please contact Nikki on 07930336369.