Whether you have a caregiver’s heart or need to be cared for (or both!), St. Paul’s is the right place for you. Caring for one another is at the heart of St. Paul’s mission. Where our gifts, graces, and talents intersect with our deepest passions, that intersection is where God is calling us into ministry. At St. Paul’s, we have many opportunities for giving support, friendship, and loving encouragement to people of all ages. Serving with any of our caring ministry teams can bring immeasurable blessings to both the recipient and to the caregiver in ministry.
Get Help/Give Help
If you need a helping hand or if you would like to be involved in caring ministries, contact Rev. Lloyd E. Brockmeyer at 319-363-6379 or any of the ministry team members listed in the ministries below. You can also call the church office at 319-363-2058.
For guidance in identifying your spiritual gifts and finding ways to use them in God’s service, consult our Gifts-Based Service Guide.
Staff or trained lay people visit the hospitals five days a week (and as needed) to give spiritual care and support to patients and families. With permission, persons will be added to the Prayer Concerns in the bulletin and Outlook so that others can support them with prayers or cards.
If you know someone who needs a hospital visit or has other serious health needs, contact the pastoral staff by phone or email or call the church office at 319-363-2058.
Counseling
Staff offer counseling support in troubled times, but reserve the right to suggest someone else if no clergy staff is available.
Stephen Ministers are specially trained caregivers who provide confidential one-on-one listening and support to people who are hurting. Learn more about Stephen Ministry at St. Paul’s.
Members visit or phone elderly and homebound persons to provide encouragement, support, friendly conversation, and to assess for any obvious needs that are then shared with the staff for further follow-up.
Contact: Rev. Julie Wehner 319-334-0603 or Mary Horn 319-395-7290
Trained team members take consecrated communion elements to the homebound and to care center members quarterly (and sometimes during the Holy seasons).
Contact: Rev. Julie Wehner 319-334-0603 or Mary Horn 319-395-7290
During the first year following a funeral service, a series of grief booklets are often sent to the closest surviving relative to help with the grieving process and bring comfort, encouragement, and support.
Rides to and from worship services are available from volunteers through Riders Club of America at no charge for those who need transportation. Please contact the church staff at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for a ride.
Contact: Contact: Rev. Julie Wehner 319-334-0603 or the church office 319-363-2058
St. Paul’s partners with Mercy Medical Center in this ministry to promote a community of health and wellness in body, mind, and spirit through a loving ministry of faith and service. For concerns related to health and well-being, contact: Mary Horn 319-395-7290
Members who are homebound (long-term or short-term) and unable to attend church may request a DVD of the 9:00 am worship service at no charge. The DVDs may be kept or shared with others and are not reused.
Worship services and sermons can also be viewed online and on Mediacom and ImOn cable channels.
Members knit or crochet, either individually or in groups, shawls to be given to persons in need of comfort, support, love, and caring while going through difficult times in their lives. The crafter focuses on prayers and blessings during the creation of a shawl.
The arrival of a new baby is a milestone in the lives of our church family. As a baby is born or a child is adopted, we rejoice and celebrate with them. A rose is placed on the altar soon after the birth or adoption. A contact will be made to each known family who welcomes a new little one.
This team of St. Paul's singers visits those in hospitals or sometimes those in care centers on Sundays at 10:45 to sing for them and to share from the Sunday service.
Members visit and deliver flowers to those who are homebound, in care centers, and needing a “we care about you” small bouquet. (Flowers are from the altar arrangements and memorial services.)
Pamphlets in the display rack in the church’s main hallway offer information, healing, and hope for those coping with difficult life situations such as financial problems, death, depression, life-threatening illnesses, divorce, etc. Members may select pamphlets helpful to themselves, family members, and friends in need.
