Caring for One Another
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34
In this scripture, Jesus calls us all to love and care for one another. Springdale has an active, energetic ministry of people who take call seriously - including concerned pastors, a parish visitor, a congregational care ministry team and church members. In a larger sense, we are all caregivers and care receivers as we respond to Jesus’ command.
Springdale provides a variety of specific care-giving ministries listed below. You may someday have a need for Christian care or would like to join others in offering assistance.
Congregational Care Ministry Team
This ministry team explores ways to minister to members of the congregation. The team is growing and reaching out to members so that all may experience the care of the congregation and be actively involved in ministry at Springdale Presbyterian. This one-on-one care began with members with specific needs and with newer members of the congregation. This evolving ministry centers around intentional listening – hearing from members of the congregation, prayer, and gathering information from similar ministries in other churches.
Card Care Ministry
Caring-Cards let Springdale members know their church family is celebrating with them during joyous times (birthdays and anniversaries) or providing support during times of challenge (illness at home, hospitalization or death in the family). Each Sunday before and after worship in the Gathering Area, members can sign the cards and add individual notes.
Cards are normally sent for serious illness or for a death in the immediate family, for “landmark” anniversaries (25th, 50th and every 5 years thereafter) or “landmark” birthdays (16th, 80th, 85th, 90th, and every year thereafter). Cards may be sent to others suggested by the pastor, such as those confined to a home or who live in nursing homes. No cards are sent without the recipient’s permission. “Congratulations” and “Thinking of You” cards are mailed on Mondays.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a way to stay connected with those in church or their friends or relatives who are having difficulties. The church office calls the Prayer Chain leader and provides the names of those that the staff has prayed for and wishes our group to continue praying for during the coming week. The leader then calls the next in line and the prayer list is passed down the line. We express concern to the people we’ve prayed for when we see them at church and sometimes send cards. It also creates closeness between the people we call regularly. We believe our prayers help those in need and welcome more people who would like to be involved in this confidential chain of prayer.
Health Ministries – Blood Pressure Screening, Blood Drive 
Blood pressure screenings are provided the fourth Sunday of each month in the library, Room #209, immediately after the worship services. Blood pressure cuffs can be taken home on an as-needed, short-term basis as well. Springdale hosts American Red Cross blood drives once or twice a year on a Sunday morning.
Caregiver’s Support Group
People giving long-term care to someone in their family often need support. This group gathers to listen and support one another through prayer and specific information helpful to caregivers. Rev. Wayne Willis, former chaplain at Norton Hospital, facilitates the Caregiver’s Support Group through Thursday morning meetings once a month.
Disability Issues
Historically, people with disabilities have been excluded from typical aspects of everyday life that most take for granted – education in neighborhood schools, life in typical neighborhoods, employment/careers, and involvement in communities of faith. So if we don’t step forward in church, then where?
In the 2001 renovation of the sanctuary, gathering area, and classrooms, Springdale had achieved physical accessibility. But that wasn’t enough. The disabilities issues ministry team partners with people with disabilities and family members to further involve them in our congregation. Support is provided according to individual circumstances and personal preferences.
Our recent partnership with Realizations strengthened our resolve within the congregation. People from different walks of life serve on the team, including family members, clergy, professionals in the disability field, and others interested in access.
Read more here: Hospitality and Building a Complete Community of Faith
Life Review
Older members of Springdale Presbyterian Church have the opportunity to take part in a brief course entitled, “Life Review.” This once-a-week, six-week course offers participants the opportunity to tell their life story in a group setting and connect it to God’s love and healing. Men and women share their past through a variety of activities and in the context of mutual support and confidentiality. Non-members may also take part in this course. Some people who have completed the course continue in fellowship and conversation at monthly meetings. Typical topics include “Sharing new beginnings in our lives,” “balancing what you control” and “the gift of God’s destiny in your life.”
Homebound and Nursing Home Ministries
Home Communion
It’s taken to persons in care facilities, homes, and hospitals on the first Sunday of each month on a rotating basis. A pastor and an elder share the Word and Sacrament with congregation members who have not been able to attend worship.
Westminster Health Care Monthly Communion
On third Sunday afternoons, Springdale members visit Westminister Health Care (2116 Buechel Bank Road, Louisville) to share the Lord’s Supper with residents and their chaplains – either gathered in the chapel, or in the individual’s private rooms, according to the residents’ preferences.
Food Care – Frozen Assets and Bereavement
The Frozen Assets ministry provides nutritious meals to Springdale members who can use assistance in the aftermath of a momentous event – from the birth of a baby, a death in the family, or illness or accident.
The Frozen Assets coordinator links these needs with a church member who delivers the food. Church members cook entrees, side dishes, casseroles, soup, bread, and dessert. The food is delivered to church, where it is frozen and the packages dated.
People who receive these meals find it a blessing. In a very busy time coping with their situations, they do not have to think about shopping or preparing food. They and their families can concentrate on moving ahead.
Anyone who would like to cook or deliver food is encouraged to contact the church office.
Bereavement Table
Another area of food care is our refreshment table for church families during a visitation for grieving families held at Springdale Presbyterian Church. Barb Link coordinates this ministry.
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