This very successful blood replacement program was started at the Church of the Advent in the spring of 1982. This program makes it possible for all parishioners, whether they are able to give blood or not, to have their blood needs filled no matter the quantity. Early on, one individual needed 108 pints of blood, and this was fully satisfied.

In order to donate, you must be at least 17 years of age (no upper limit), fairly good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have never had cancer or hepatitis.

Anyone who donates two gallons or more receives lifetime coverage for themselves and their families. Currently, we have one parishioner who has given thirteen gallons.

Included in our program are those who participate in our plateletpheresis program. It takes a little longer to give, but ten times more platelets are obtained by this method than from whole blood. Leukemia patients are in critical need of platelets.

The Piedmont Blood Center returns to the church each quarter. Blood continues to be in critical short supply throughout Spartanburg County.

For His sake … I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. Lord what would you have me do?

As a constant reminder of our vows, we wear the silver cross bearing the Latin inscription MAGNANIMITER CRUCEM SUSTINE—”with heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross”. The initials FHS at the base of the cross encourage us—that in all we do, we do it FOR HIS SAKE.

A ministry to our new mothers and their families. A member of this group brings a meal, good wishes, and information about programs and nurseries available at the Advent.

A Guild of interested parishioners who offer themselves to "show up" for others in their times of joy and in their times of sorrow. That Christ's Light be shown in us by our immediate response to the cares and concerns of our parishioners.

    Bereavement-Response to a death in a parishioner's immediate or extended family.
    Short Term-Response to hospitalization, sickness, or any short-term needs.
    Long Term-Response to any extended illness or long term needs.
    Card Ministry-response by mail to joys and sorrows.

"it has been a sustaining comfort to receive such kindness"  "thank you so much for all your loving care"  "you are comforting and helpful"    These are some of the responses St. Francis and St. Clare has received from people touched by our ministry. By the many notes we receive from people in our parish served by St. Francis and St. Clare, we know that we are meeting the needs of those who face challenges and celebrations in their lives. We are in need of more volunteers and ask you to consider helping with this ministry to our church members.

There are many ways to volunteer your time for this ministry. Our Special Deliveries and Short Term Care contact members to touch base and offer a frozen casserole when a new baby arrives or a member is ill. Long Term Care volunteers call or visit members that cannot get out often or are in assisted living facilities. Bereavement volunteers respond when there has been a death of a member of the church or a family member. The Card Ministry is a way to stay in touch with our parishioners by mail. Cards are sent to celebrate new babies, to offer get well wishes, to express words of sympathy, or to let members know that the church is thinking of you. There is also a Resource List of those who help on an as needed basis with cooking or during funerals. If you would like to help with one of these ministries, please contact Jane Sexton Long (Short Term Care) 573-8835; Alice Dorrance (Long Term Care) 529-0670; Judy Waddell (Bereavement & Card Ministry) 574-5371; Ginger Phillips (Food & Freezer Ministry) 573-5368; Amy Byers (Special Deliveries Ministry) 582-8924.

For the Guild of St. Francis & St. Clare to function as designed, we need everyone's help in keeping us informed of the happenings and needs of our parish family. Please call the Church Office to let us know about illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, deaths, new babies or celebrations - 585-2268 or 585-9090 ext. 1215.

 

EDUCATION for MINISTRY

The Education for Ministry Program recognizes two graduates this year - Linda Ellis and Jane Sexton Long. For the past four years, from August through May, Linda and Jane have dedicated one evening each week to studying the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Theologies & Theologians of the 20th century. Intertwined with their academic studies are reflections and discussions regarding the many and varied ways God has been, is being and will be experienced by God's faithful followers. Reflecting theologically requires a willingness to recognize encounters with God, learning about one's self from God - which is often risky business. Because in these reflections, one learns not only how God is "in the mix", but also what might prevent God from being involved. Congratulations to Linda and Jane for their courage, dedication and willingness to share their journeys with others who have chosen the same spiritual path.

Education for Ministry is a four year program of theological study and reflection developed and administered by the School of Theology - University of the South. The program has been designed for those interested in learning more about God's participation in history and in their lives, within a small group setting - limited to 10 participants - led by trained mentors. Commitments to the study are made a year-at-a-time.

Mentor Gail McCormick and I have spoken to many of you who have expressed an interest in becoming part of the next Education for Ministry group, which will begin meeting in late August, so please contact either one of us for further registration information - our registration deadline is June 1st. Or, if you are interested in learning more about EfM, please contact Gail - 597-1167 or me - 585-2268.

And, when you see either Linda or Jane, be sure to offer them your thanks and your congratulations for a "job well done!!!"

Blessings, Sue