Care Teams
by Rich Page
Henri Nouwen speaks of “doing love” in the following way:
The feeling of love is beautiful and life-giving, but our loving cannot be based in that feeling. To love is to think, speak, and act according to the spiritual knowledge that we are infinitely loved by God and called to make that love visible in this world…. We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, an embrace, a kind greeting, a gesture of support, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a present, a financial contribution, a visit — all these are little steps toward love.
In January of 2022, St. Michael’s Colorado Springs answered this call of “doing love” through the launch of Care Teams. Our Care Teams are led by two lay leaders and formed around those in our congregation who are in need of some assistance and love, and we do what we can to help. Ideal candidates for receiving a Care Team may have just had surgery, experienced a loss in their life, live by themselves, or are going through a transition.
Our caregivers have experience as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Stephen Ministers, or in other caring backgrounds and interests. The needs are varied, so we speak first with those needing help to assess what can be done. Some need support with meals, some need a ride to church or other places, and some need phone calls or regular visits in person. Our caregivers, working in teams, provide the support needed or identify other resource people in the congregation who can provide assistance.
Bev Raider, Care Team lay co-coordinator said, “I see Care Teams making a difference by taking away the loneliness and providing spiritual friendships in our community beyond our walls.”
Our goal is to provide short-term support to people by “coming alongside” them and their primary caregivers in difficult times. Our hope is that we show God’s love and care by “doing love” whenever we can.
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RICH PAGE is a Care Team lay co-coordinator and parishioner at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs.
Learn more about the St. Michael’s Care Team at www.stmikeschurch.com/care
