Friendship and Visiting Committee

Applewood United Church is home to a great lay ministry that any church in Halton Presbytery would be proud to call their own. A team of ten lay people (so far!) care for those in their congregation who are ill, grieving, facing surgery, or who are residents in area nursing homes. This includes sending cards, making phone calls, and/or personal visits at home or at the hospital - often with flowers or baked goods - to ensure that anyone experiencing circumstances that may cause isolation is reminded they are loved and cared for as individuals, and as part of the community.

Although the Ordained Minister is connected with the Friendship and Visiting Committee, to provide home Communion and specialized pastoral care, this is very much a lay ministry which benefits the givers as well as the receivers. Regular meetings of this committee are held to share concerns and information that keep the group up-to-date with individual needs. A spin-off of this ministry has been a prayer chain. This involves daily prayers at the request of the Applewood United Church congregants and their families.

The Committee members have always been well received by those they care for. Although its ministry is immense, it has a minor budget that is used primarily for the cards that are mailed. The church newsletter reminds congregants that the visiting team depends on them to report any concerns that may arise.

For more information about the Friendship and Visiting Committee... If this program is one your church would be interested in, contact Applewood United Church at (905) 277-4162, and one of the committee members will share his/her passion and wisdom about this ministry.