Lay (non-ordained) Chaplains serve as the arms and legs of the Pastor by maintaining contact and offering prayer support to the ever-growing number of people at Water of Life. They are members of our church community who feel they have been called to share their gifts in this way and whose service has been accepted by the Pastor and the Lead Lay Chaplain.
Each chaplain is responsible for supporting a small number of congregants through prayer, hospital and doctors visits, and communion calls for the sick or impaired. They maintain regular contact with those on their list, especially if someone misses church, has a birthday or anniversary of any kind, is dealing with illness or the loss of a loved one, etc.
-
-
Pasha
-
-
-
-
-
Richard
-
-
-
-
-
Kathy
-
-
Marsha L Power
-
-
-
Hahn n Ceil
-
-
Marsha L Power
-
-
-
Charlotte
-
-
Marsha L Power
-
WHAT IS THE LAY CHAPLAIN MINISTRY?
Lay (non-ordained) chaplains serve as the arms and legs of the Pastor/pastoral staff by maintaining contact and offering prayer support to the ever-growing number of people at Water of Life. Each chaplain is responsible for a small number of congregants (5 to 12).
WHO ARE OUR LAY CHAPLAINS?
Members of our church community who feel they have been called to serve in this way and whose service has been accepted by the Pastor and the Lead Lay Chaplain. Our current chaplains include Pat Archie, Richard Balanos, Charlotte Cover, Pasha Halajian, Emily Johnson, Debra Kramer, Rev Ceil Melton, Han Nguyen and Kristie Webb. The program is coordinated by a Lead Lay Chaplain who is responsible for serving as the chaplain to the lay chaplains, providing peer support and training to the team.
WHAT TRAINING OR SPECIAL SKILLS DO LAY CHAPLAINS HAVE?
Although some have had some theological education or special training, (in fact, some of our “lay” chaplains are ordained ministers) most are people of prayer and love who bring their spirit, life experiences, and desire to grow spiritually in answer to this call. The chaplains meet together monthly for prayer, discussion and training.
WHAT DO LAY CHAPLAINS DO?
Pray for those on their list daily; pray with their congregants as needed; and pass prayer requests on to the church at large when requested.
Keep in contact with people on their list, especially if they miss church, have a birthday or anniversary of any kind, are dealing with illness or the loss of a loved one, or are burdened.
Visit when someone on their list or their loved one is in the hospital or is sick at home.
Bring communion when someone cannot attend church.
When able, accompany and/or transport to doctor’s visits, tests, or medical procedures if needed for spiritual support.
Collect contact information, important dates, etc. to keep the church data-base up to date.
Keep confidential the needs and concerns of team members, except for things they have permission to share, or serious concerns the pastor needs to know about.
WHAT THEY DON’T DO
Counsel, give advice, make decisions or solve problems.
Listen to or spread rumors or complaints about others in the church or the church leadership.
Make referrals for outside help.
Loan or give money, food or resources. Requests for assistance or needs are passed on to the Benevolence Committee.
WHO IS ASSIGNED A LAY CHAPLAIN?
Active church members, regular visitors and those for whom there is a special need for someone to keep contact with them even though they may not be currently attending church.
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LAY CHAPLAIN
An alphabetical list of congregants showing their lay chaplain has been posted in the fellowship hall. If you do not know your lay chaplain they should be introducing themselves to you and/or calling you soon.
PLEASE CONTACT the Church e-mail address: www. WaterOfLifeMCC@yahoo.com
You do not have a lay chaplain and would like one; you have a problem or concern with your lay chaplain, you have a lay chaplain and if you wish to be removed from the ministry or you want to be considered to serve as a lay chaplain.
PLEASE PRAY FOR YOUR LAY CHAPLAIN AND FOR BLESSINGS FOR OUR WATER OF LIFE MCC FAMILY THROUGH THIS MINISTY.