Visitation Ministry

Currently, at St John’s, pastoral visitation is done by the Pastors and Parish Nurses. The primary focus of this visitation is for homebound and hospitalized members and those with urgent needs. The Parish Nurses coordinate the visitation schedule. If you or a member you know would like a visit, you may contact the church office.

A parish nurse will contact you for visitation arrangements. All information shared is confidential.

Eucharistic Ministry

In Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, Lutherans recall the saving acts of God through Word, bread and wine, and are connected with Christ and with Christians of all times and places. The practice of carrying communion to the sick and homebound has been encouraged in the Lutheran tradition since 1978. St. John’s Eucharistic Ministers receive training so that they may serve those who are absent.

Prayer Ministry

At St. John’s, we know healing prayer is a simple gift, a profoundly moving way in which God shows love for us. God gives the gift of healing to the church and calls all of us to pray for the healing of others. Therefore, we encourage you to bring forward the names of those who are in need of our prayers.

Listen to these words from James 5:13-16:

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord… The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Our public prayer announcements, read at each service, include those who have healing needs, such as:

• Acute health concerns (Physical, Emotional, Spiritual)
• Preparing for surgery
• In the hospital
• Recovering from an illness or injury
• Bereavement

This public announcement for prayers of healing will be made while the need is greatest. Many of our members are in need of prayers for ongoing cares and concerns. These names will be listed in the bulletin (with permission) but will not be read aloud. We encourage you to take your bulletin home and to include these people in your prayers.

The Prayer Partner Team is a network of St. John’s members who have committed to pray for other members. They receive prayer requests by mail or email and pray for people in their own individual manner. There are approximately 65 Prayer Partners.

The Parish Nurses coordinate the prayer lists with input from the pastors. If you are in need of healing prayers, or have a member of your family with this need, please contact one of the Parish Nurses, or fill out the Requests for Prayers form. To respect confidentiality, we will only share requests that are confirmed.

You may make a prayer request online or you can contact the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Are you interested in sharing your talent making Prayer Shawls?

Join us at 10:15 AM every third Sunday in the Pastors Study as we knit and crochet together. Special prayers are said for beginning shawls, shawls in process as well as completed shawls. Completed Prayer Shawls will be given to members who are in need of comforting. This ministry is open to all ages and is not just for women.

Contact Suzi Carson for more information.