Mercy Ministry News

A special “how to” training for nursing home ministry has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 4, 1-3 pm in the Catacombs. The speaker is Ed Verbek, former chaplain at Reformed Presbyterian Retirement Home in Pittsburgh. Everyone is welcome, including current volunteers in Tenth’s nursing home ministry. Contact Nick Batzig at nbatzig@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.

1. Listen, listen, listen. “Don’t talk much,” says Philip Yancey. “Job’s friends sat in silence with him for seven days. But as soon as they opened their mouths, that’s when the trouble started.” And allow them to air their sorrow. “It’s possible to both lament and question in a faithful context,” says Michael Emlet [of CCEF]. “It can be liberating for them to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence before God.”

2. Be physically present. It means so much for you to take the time to visit. Your presence is enormously comforting.

3. Commit to the long haul. Don’t let the sufferer fall off your radar screen after their initial diagnosis. Sustained care demonstrates your commitment to a person with a chronic disease.

4. Find ways to laugh. Friends who love best draw us out of our suffering and help us to see the big picture. Encourage those who are ill to focus on other things, and to laugh. The church needs to show that there can be joy in the midst of tears.

5. Pray beyond healing. It’s important to pray for healing, but it’s also important to pray for endurance, faith, and growth. It’s also helpful to get elders involved in praying for those who suffer–they’re our shepherds.

6. Consider starting a support group at your church. “We’ve seen much comfort and emotional healing for chronic illness sufferers through our church’s pain support group,” said one leader. “There’s hope in seeing how God is helping others going through similar struggles.”

Copyright 2008, all rights reserved, byFaith magazine. This article first appeared in the February 2008 issue of byFaith and is reprinted by permission.

The keynote addresses and workshops from the 2008 MercyNet Conference are now online. To listen go to http://www.wabcphilly.org/audio/citynet/2008mmc/

ACTS Ministries is a mercy ministry of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Center City Philadelphia. ACTS was founded in 1983 out of concern for the poor and homeless residing near Tenth Church. ACTS presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His power to make broken people whole. ACTS serves the needs of individuals and families in our community and church by employing the time, witness, talents and resources the Lord has given his Church. Click here for the website.

The Clergy Committee helps urban ministers who are already battling the effects of crime and poverty. TCC makes a real difference by uniting people of several denominations and helping them attack the problems of the city through mutual consulting, strengthened personal relationships, shared learning and resource exchange. For more click here.

Philly Encourages Urban Ministry Professionals

When we work in a ministry to addicted persons, homeless or not, we take up our crosses by being available to and suffering with those we seek to reach. Bearing the cross for addicted persons means holding them accountable for their actions. It also means that we are not totally responsible for their recovery. At the same time that we are ministering to their needs, it is vital that we consider the risk to us and our own vulnerability. For the rest of this article, click here.

I received this encouraging email today from a member of a Maryland church: I was searching the net and came across your article, “A Theology of Caring,” and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated it. I appreciated it so much I have passed it on to numerous people in my church. The timing is interesting as we are just starting a Caring Committee. It is also interesting because I have read about 20 books in the past few years on Mercy ministry and somehow you have distilled them all down into one article. To read the article click here.

MercyNet and ACTS Ministries are presenting Tim Keller’s Deacon Training for current and future deacons and deaconesses. The training will be March 22, April 5 and19, May 3, 17 and 31 from 9:30-12:30 at Tenth Presbyterian Church, 1701 Delancey St., Center City Philadelphia. Cost of the course is $40 and registration is required. Contact David Apple, 215.735.7688 or dapple@tenth.org. Go to www.citynetphilly.org for registration form and more information.

MercyNet and Philadelphia Presbytery co-sponsor a Mercy Ministry Conference January 11-12 at Westminster Seminary, Glenside, PA.  Click on www.citynetphilly.org for the conference brochure link. For information contact Dr. David Apple, dapple@tenth.org or 215-735-7688.