mercy ministry
The Mercy Ministry continues to be an important part of the overall ministry to God's people at Covenant Life. The Diaconate, and the dedicated members of the church who make up the various sub-committees of the Mercy Committee, operate a many-faceted program. It is for the spiritual and material support of members and to a lesser degree, non-members.
The Deacons' Fund is a budgeted fund which is administred by a committee of the Diaconate. This fund is used to aid many families in our community who are in great need of food, financial assistance, Christian counseling, etc. Written guidelines are used to determine appropriate distribution of funds.
Hospital Visitations are scheduled by the volunteer coordinator when requested by the patient. Each church member needs to remember to keep the coordinator informed when someone they know is admitted. Duplicate information is gladly accepted.
Meals are delivered to shut-ins and families with new babies. We generally provide seven meals over one or two weeks. The coordinator needs to receive information relating to this need. Using the church roster, the coordinator may call upon members to provide a meal.
The Prayer Chain is composed of about 24 people divided into four chains, two for daytime and two for evening. Requests are accepted from anyone having a need and should be given by phone or in person to the prayer coordinator to pass the request on to the first person of each chain. The prayer is then relayed throughout the chain. Members pledge to pray for each request daily for a minimum of a week. Requests are always confidential.
The Blood Bank's primary purpose is to facilitate and promote the donation of blood to the community. Semi-annual blood drives are held at the church using the Bloodmobile. Members are encouraged to donate at other times of the year at the Sarasota Community Blood Bank on US 41, west of Osprey Avenue on the south side of Mound Street.
Tapes/CD's of Sunday's sermon are sent to the homes of shut-ins. If you are interested in receiving tapes or CD's, please contact the church office.
The Transportation Ministry has been established our church family when transportation needs are essential and there are no other options available from friends, family or public transportation. These needs may be in the category of doctors' appointments, church attendance, grocery shopping, drug store needs, therapy, etc.
Loaves and Fishes are collected in a barrel in the Church lobby on the first Sunday of each month, as well as prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Food is distributed to the needy of the church and to those outside the church who are recommended by anyone in our congregation. Recommendations may also be made through Mothers Helping Mothers or the Salvation Army.
In a time of sorrow, when someone in the congregation dies, the church family (generally through one's small group) arranges for food to be provided after a memorial service. Generally, this committee is needed only once or twice a year.
The Christmas Angel Tree Porgram collects toys, clothing, etc., for needy children and adults in nursing homes. The program is activated around Thanksgiving time.
Hurricane or emergency evacuation. The Mercy committee maintains a list of congregational members who are willing to house people who are forced to evacuate their low-lying or mobile homes in the event of a low-level hurricane or similar event. If you need this type of emergency assistance or would like to add your name to the list of volunteer hosts, please call the church office.
Bethesda Outreach Ministries is a church in the Newtown area of Sarasota which provides dinner for homeless people on Weednesdays of each week. We assist them in this ministry by providing the meal on the third Wednesday of each month.
Other ministries in the community that we support:
The Resurrection House
All Faiths Food Bank
The Salvation Army
Mothers Helping Mothers
Each ministry of the Mercy Committee is in need of volunteers. Please call the church office at 941.926.4777 for information about any of these ministries, or if you are in need.