Ways to Care

There are so many ways to provide care to other members of our congregation. Here are some of the ways Congregational Care Ministry serves others. If you are interested in serving in any of these areas please contact Deacon Julie.

• Practical Assistance Coordinators (training provided)

• Home Communion (training required)

• Stephen Ministers (50 hours of training; two-year commitment; supervision)

• Meals Ministry

• Transportation (to church services/activities and doctor appointments)

• Handyman services for the elderly and infirm

• Support Groups (connect; facilitate)

• Prayer Ministry (training req.)

• Small Group Facilitator (training req.)

• Homebound and lonely visitation

Request Prayer

Prayer is available in the following ways:

• Prayer requests are prayed for by the intercessory team for two weeks unless a new request is made for continued prayer. Please send your submissions here.

• During the Prayers of the People in the worship service, there will be a time for the congregation to participate aloud by lifting up personal names.

• People in need of prayer are always encouraged to seek prayer from prayer teams located at the back hallway of the church during Communion

Support Groups

Support groups are designed to bring people together who share a common issue to support one another. Some are specifically Christian. Some are for a specific period of time, others are ongoing and participants are free to join anytime. Following are some of the support groups available either at All Saints' or elsewhere in the community.

• Griefshare.org & Divorcecare.org

• Aavirginia.org

• Vaalanon.org (support for those with a family member struggling with addiction)

• Regenerationministeries.org (sexual healing)

• Cancer Care Ministry

Practical Assistance

Practical assistance provides short term needs to parishioners including the following:

• Short term meal provision for congregants recuperating from illness, surgery, childbirth or a death in the immediate family

• Referral to Meals on Wheels for long-term needs

• Connection with social services in the community

• Handyman projects for the elderly or infirm with financial challenges

• Transportation (to church service/activities and occasional doctor appointments)

• Visits to the homebound and lonely

• Food pantry

Emergency Financial Assistance

This is by application only and limited assistance is paid directly to the billing agency.

Stephen Minister

There are times when every one of us experiences difficulties and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend. 

Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care to people who are:

• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
• Lonely or discouraged
• Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
• Unemployed or in a job crises
• Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
• New to the congregation or the community
• Anticipating or recovering from the birth or adoption of a child
• Homebound or institutionalized
• Recently retired
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Victim of a disaster or accident
• Or experiencing one of life’s other transitions

What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who have received 50 hours of caregiving training to minister to people experiencing a crisis, facing a challenge, or simply going through a tough time. They are under the supervision of the congregation’s Stephen Leaders and Deacon Julie Tilton.

A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately and confidentially on a weekly basis to pray, listen, care, encourage, support, and remind you of Christ’s presence in your life.

(A Stephen Minister is not a counselor, nor a problem-solver, nor someone who runs errands or helps with chores.)

How do you get connected with a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are assigned to parishioners by Deacon Julie Tilton. Requests can be initiated by either the individual desiring a Stephen Minister, or by the Practical Care Coordinator coordinating a person’s care needs.

More information on Stephen Ministry can be found online, or by speaking with Deacon Julie Tilton.

Pastoral Needs

Home Communion: Lay Eucharistic Ministers provide Home Communion to those who cannot attend services. Contact Julie Tilton by email or by phone: 703 670-0093 ext. 102.

Hospital Visits: Please notify the All Saints’ office or send an email if you are hospitalized and would like a trained parishioner or clergy member to visit you. If you contact Congregational Care Ministry, be sure to include the name of the hospital, the dates you anticipate being hospitalized, and a callback number.

Reconciliation of a Penitent: Please contact a clergy member directly if you would like to be reconciled to God through the ministry of reconciliation. 

From the Book of Common Prayer: 

The reconciliation of a penitent is available for all who desire it. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere. 

The secrecy of a confession is morally absolute for the person hearing the confession and must under no circumstances be broken.

Funeral: Please contact the All Saints’ office immediately upon the death of a parishioner or member of a parishioner’s family. Funeral arrangements should be made in consultation with a clergy member.