Community & Presence
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Back in March, we launched a new visitation ministry called “Ministry of Presence.” It was created with the vision of sharing the gift of presence with those experiencing seasons of hospitalization, being homebound, or staying in rehabilitation centers. Earlier this month, we commissioned the lay people that have volunteered to be a part of this new ministry.
The Ministers of Presence understand that God did not create us to go through life alone. They have answered the call to extend fellowship beyond the walls of this building by going on visits. After a visit, the ministers send me a brief summary of their time. I receive story after story of what a gift it was to connect and spend time with the person they visited. One of these emails ended with, “She was more of a minister to me than I was to her. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to meet her and experience her witness and joy for God’s love and faithfulness.” Community and presence isn’t only extended to those that the Ministers of Presence see, but it is shared equally among all. Visits are a place where love and blessing flow both ways.
To those that give up their time and energy to go on visits, thank you. To those that invite us in and allow us to be a part of their lives, thank you. You are all a part of the tapestry that makes this beautiful community at University where grace is shared, love abounds, and everyone belongs.
If you are interested in joining the Ministry of Presence team, it isn’t too late. If you or someone you know are homebound, hospitalized, or in a rehab facility, it is a privilege to visit and be present with you. Contact me at or 210.696.1033 for more information.
Blessing,
Melissa Supak
“Blessing for Care-givers and Care-receivers” by Kate Bowler:
Bless you all. All you care-givers and care-receivers.
You who do the hard work of love and hope-making.
May you receive the love you so freely give others
and then a little extra (because too much love is never enough).