Pastoral Care

Christ Episcopal Church hosts two bereavement programs: Life After Loss and Coping with Grief During the Holidays. Each is designed to help individuals who have experienced loss to better understand the process of grief and how to live through it in a way that is healing. Classes are held on the church grounds. Dates and times vary. 

Eucharistic Visitors are lay ministers licensed by the Diocese of West Texas to take the sacrament of Holy Communion to the home bound, infirm, or those who are unable to receive at Christ Church.

The Good Ole Days is a unique program for anyone looking to reminisce about years gone by. Originally developed for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the program is now designed for everyone’s participation as you trip down memory lane, listening to old music, viewing old movies and discussing cultural and sports events to recollect shared memories.

The church strives to provide an ongoing relationship with individuals who are in the hospital, a nursing home, or home bound. This is done through lay ministers and clergy who provide weekly contact with assigned individuals.

Each Monday volunteers gather to arrange the altar flowers from the Sunday into smaller bouquets to be delivered to those who are ill, housebound, or who have a special need. The delivery can include a short visit when appropriate.

Parish gardeners beautify our campus grounds with colorful flowers and plants throughout the year. They select, purchase (with church funds), plant, and maintain the columbarium garden and surrounding beds as well as the planters in the gazebo. Gardeners are responsible for three plantings a year.

The Funeral Reception Committee provides receptions in the Parish Hall following a memorial service. Volunteers provide food and help with set-up, serving, and clean-up in two-hour shifts.

Thoughtful and personal handwritten notes are a ministry of love and pastoral care. Writing guidance and writing materials are provided if requested. You will determine the number of notes you write and how often you write.

The Soup Ministry provides home-cooked soups to comfort those in need of nourishment of both body and spirit. Soups are prepared in the church kitchen then delivered to individuals who have been ill, are isolated, grieving, or have any other pastoral need. The soups are prepared on Tuesdays between 9-11:30 a.m. and ladled into containers on the following Thursdays for freezing. Brownies and cookies are provided by volunteer bakers. Delivery volunteers are needed at a flexible schedule on as needed basis.

We celebrate Holy Eucharist at three retirement homes per month: Franklin Park, The Forum, and Morningside at the Chandler Estate.  Volunteers welcome residents and assist them as they arrive and participate in worship.