Could you spare half an hour to help a friend?
- with prayer support
- visiting at home/hospital
- support in life crisis
- comfort in times of loss
- with transport to appointments
- with shopping trips in the church minibus
- with ready meals in crisis
- with practical support (e.g. grass cutting)
The Touch Team is a ministry of our church which seeks to share the love of Christ in practical ways in the local community, so that no member of the congregation need ever feel isolated, alone or neglected.
The name given to this ministry is really what it is all about To Offer Unconditional Care @ Home. The dedicated team is made up of men and women of all ages ranging from the “young to the not so young” but every one bringing their own skills and ideas to the team.
The Touch Team continues in its efforts to reach out to and support those who are going through difficult times, whether due to loneliness, illness, family crisis or bereavement. We aim to do this through prayer, visitation, befriending, providing meals, transport to hospital appointments, shopping, babysitting, sending cards, fruit or flowers and other forms of practical help.
We have a core team of dedicated people along with another group whom we can rely on in emergencies, but we do need more helpers to provide the level of support that is sometimes needed.
Could you help in any of the following ways…
Do you have access to a car?
Could you deliver some fruit or flowers and make someone’s day?
Could you very occasionally give someone a lift to a hospital appointment or a church meeting?
Are you a talented cook or baker?
Could you provide meals very occasionally for a family in crisis or emergencies?
Have you been through a difficult experience and would feel able to reach out to and share your story with someone going through a similar situation?
If you feel you can help in any of the above ways please contact Joan or myself.
Perhaps you have some other gift we could use to help others in need or maybe you have been wondering how you could get more involved in the church. Well, this may be your answer. Why not come along to one of our meetings? We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m. in the library and you will be made most welcome.
We now have well over fifty people on our prayer helpline and have seen increasing numbers of people seeking God’s help in this way. It has also been truly encouraging to receive many texts stating positive answers to prayer and for this we give God all the honour and the glory. If you or someone you know requires prayer do ring our prayerline on 07825213616 in complete confidence. If you would like to help pray for others in need please leave your mobile phone number in the collection plate or give it to one of the welcome stewards (no name required) and we will add you to our prayerline.
In the New Year we were able to get our baby sitting service off to a start but still require baby sitting volunteers. If you could spare one evening every one or two months and have filled in a child protection form, please contact Joan or myself.
The Touch Team began its winter programme of outings in October, with a really memorable visit to the Somme Centre which is an authentic testimony to the horrific reality of war and the ultimate price that was paid by so many in service for their country.
A couple of weeks prior to this Mr James McIlhinney had donated his World War II uniform and other memorabilia to the centre and was one of several World War II veterans who agreed to take part in a series of documentaries, recounting their experiences of the war.
The stories of courage and heroism under often perilous conditions were truly humbling. Mr McIlhinney, himself, had flown over forty sorties as a Navigator, a remarkable achievement in itself. This was made all the more poignant when, a few weeks later on Remembrance Sunday, he laid a wreath in memory of one of his brothers who had lost his life in the war. A short time after this Mr McIlhinney, a faithful Touch Team supporter, was called home to glory. I know I speak on behalf of all those Touch Team helpers who attended the Somme that afternoon, when I say how privileged we feel to have shared that special occasion with him.
In December we enjoyed another Christmas shopping trip to Bow Street Mall in Lisburn. Some came for the shopping, some just for the craic. A good time was had by all and we finished up with a Christmas tea in the Minor Hall afterwards.
Towards the end of January we hosted an afternoon tea party with a difference when we were pleased to invite Robert Thompson along for a photographic slide show. This brought back a lot of memories of by gone days and was followed up by a quiz, afternoon tea and sing-song.
At the start of March approximately thirty people attended the Tudor Theatre in Comber to see John Wayne in the ‘The Quiet Man’. This was followed by a tea of Irish Stew and Apple Tart which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
In April we saw another of our faithful friends called home to the Lord when Mr Ernest Mansell died. To his family and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Hillsborough Castle was the venue for our May visit when one sunny afternoon we were entertained and enjoyed a very informative tour given by Mr David Anderson. It was very pleasant to be able to wander around the beautiful rooms and gardens and just soak up the atmosphere of a place that has played such a significant part in the history and politics of our country. As is the usual custom the afternoon finished up with tea back at the hall.
As you can see we try to provide variety in the outings we have arranged in order to cater for all tastes and interests. These are generally afternoons of fun, friendship and fellowship. We have been greatly encouraged by the steady numbers of folk attending these trips but there is still plenty of room for more. If you haven’t been before, but would like to join us, do let us know and you will be made most welcome. If you have any suggestions for trips that you think may be of interest please let a member of the Touch Team know.
The last event we arranged was our ‘Old Time Praise Service’ which we held one Sunday afternoon in May. We were delighted to be joined by the Raffrey Youth Choir who sang a couple of old Redeemer medleys and Billy McCullagh and the folk from Island Street also sang some beautiful old pieces. James gave a very moving epilogue about a little eleven year old girl who died very unexpectedly but was fully prepared to meet her Lord. The service was followed by tea in the Guild Hall which brought a very enjoyable afternoon to a close.
As we look forward to another season we acknowledge that God has been good. He has truly blessed this little ministry and we pray he will continue to do so in the days ahead. We feel privileged to serve on this team and Joan and I would like to thank all those people who work away behind the scenes so willingly. If you think we can help you, please contact Sharon McMordie on 07917198250 or Joan Telford on 07921020164.
Sharon McMordie
“In the same way let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father” Matthew 5 v 16.
Touch Team Scenic Tour of the Mournes & Newcastle Summer 2006.
Touch Team Sightseeing Tour of Belfast and afternoon tea at Island Street Mission Hall with Billy McCullagh, Tuesday 13 June 2006.
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