Mount Olive’s Community Well-Being ministry assists the pastor in caring for the congregation’s spiritual welfare and daily needs and supports other committees in their work.
Encouraging Youth & Children
We nurture the spiritual growth of youth and children and support parents as they raise their children in the Christian faith.
Godly Play, Youth Conversation, Confirmation instruction, and Choir School are central to this ministry. Activities for youth and families are held throughout the year, including baking holiday cookies, hosting the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner, and gathering for social events.
Congregational Care
Congregational Care increases awareness of and ministers to the physical and emotional needs of individuals and their families who are experiencing challenges such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, health concerns, loneliness, parenting challenges, or caregiver stress.
This ministry is offered in a variety of ways. For example:
- Meals may be supplied to families experiencing the birth of a child or to others needing short-term assistance.
- When possible, people are directed to community resources as needed.
How you can participate
- Request care from a volunteer by contacting the director of Community Well-Being.
- Volunteer to become part of this rewarding experience.
- Prepare and deliver meals.
- Visit individuals struggling with health issues or loneliness.
- Serve on this subcommittee.
Fostering Adults’ Spiritual Growth
We work with other Mount Olive committees in their efforts to nourish the spiritual growth of congregation members through Bible study, prayer, music, and many forms of Christian service.
Supporting Members in Transition
We provide ways for Mount Olive members and friends to support one another in times of loss and transition, especially by attending to those who are homebound.
Communion Ministry
As an extension of Pastor Crippen’s ministry, each week communion ministers visit members of our congregation who are not able to attend a Sunday liturgy because of a short-term recuperation or long-term illness.
Visitors share the Eucharist, creating a connection to Mount Olive’s weekly worship.
- Typically communion ministers visit one or two members once a month.
- Visits are typically made Sundays but can be on other days.
- Each year communion ministers make more than 200 visits.
How you can participate
- Volunteer to become part of this rewarding experience.
Friendly Calling and Correspondence
Friendly callers or writers contact individuals in the congregation who need an empathetic ear. Some people who receive calls are no longer able to worship at Mount Olive. Others attend our liturgies but otherwise have limited contact with the congregation.
This simple but significant ministry is carried out by callers who:
- Contact two to four individuals once or twice a month
- Have the ability to listen actively
- Refrain from trying to “fix” things for the person they call
- Draw their topics of conversation from the person they call
How you can participate
- Volunteer to be a caller or writer. (A short training session is provided.)
- Request calls or letters from a volunteer by contacting the director of Community Well-Being.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry creates knitted and crocheted shawls for those who are in need of prayer or comfort, and as reminders of the Mount Olive faith community’ prayers and support.
- Shawl makers use their skills and talents to create shawls of many sizes, shapes, and colors, and for many occasions: baptism, high school graduation, and times of illness or loss.
- Shawls are also donated to the chaplain at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
How you can participate
- Whether you are skilled at knitting or crocheting or a beginner, you are welcome to join the group. Contact the director of Community Well-Being.
- You may request a prayer shawl from Mount Olive’s pastor, vicar, administrative assistant, or director of Community Well-Being.
Transportation
Some people in the congregation, due to aging or other issues, need a ride to worship or church events. Volunteers may provide transportation occasionally or on a regular basis.
How you can participate
- Contact the director of Community Well-Being if you would like to be matched with a driver.
- Volunteer to provide a ride for someone in need.
Connecting with Online Worshippers
On an average Sunday, twice as many people worship with Mount Olive from a distance as worship in our pews. Community Well-Being is leading the congregations’ work to envision ways to connect with these online worshippers.
