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Introducing the Care Response Team

A couple of weeks ago lay leader Diana Klimek and I introduced a new ministry during our worship services. If you were absent that day, what follows is a brief overview of our recently launched Care Response Team (CRT).

The CRT was created to supplement the caregiving already in place at Good Shepherd. Our Deacon Visitation Ministry, our Stephen Ministers, our Pastors, our Parish Nurse, our Life Groups—and others—do a very fine job of proving care when called upon.

What we lack is a team of “first responders” who can augment the work of the Pastors and Parish Nurse, especially. For example, when someone is going in for surgery they might want someone to pray with them beforehand, or sit with family members during, or be there as a caring presence in the recovery room afterwards—or all three!

A member of our CRT can fill that role very well.

The CRT is composed of trained members of Good Shepherd who are available to come to hospitals or homes for spiritual support. This is a short-term relationship—one or two visits—as requested.

How does it work? Let’s say you find yourself alone in the emergency room at Long Beach Memorial in need of a comforting presence. Call the church office and say, “Can someone from the Care Response Team visit me?” The office will contact Diana Klimek (the CRT “Dispatcher”) and she will send someone from the CRT out to you as soon as possible. (Alternately, if the office is closed, or if you would rather, you may contact Diana Klimek directly at (562) 592-9506.)

We’re excited to get this ministry started and trust it will be a real help to our congregation. If you have questions about the CRT I encourage you to contact Diana Klimek at the phone number above, or via her email address: dlklimek@aol.com 

 

In the joy of Christ,

Pastor Paul