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	What is the Prayer Chain Ministry The purpose of this Ministry How can one become involved in this Ministry or become a member?

What is the Prayer Chain Ministry?

The prayer chain ministry is a dedicated group of parishioners who pray for specific needs that are called in by those who need prayer.

The purpose of this Ministry

This ministry is to pray for those needs called in.

How can one become involved in this Ministry or become a member?

People can be involved in two ways. Those needing prayers can call the prayer chain which is listed in the St Thomas bulletin every week. Their prayers will be called to the people on the chain (works just like a typical phone chain).

The second way is to become a person who would like to join the chain and pray for the needs called in. They can do this by calling the parish office. They will be put on the chain and sent a copy of the chain so they will know where they are in the chain and who they may need to call.

All prayers are prayed for once at the time they receive the call. If they would like to record the prayers in a notebook and pray additional prayers later that is fine. However they are only required to pray when the call is received. They may pray in any manner that they would like. They are asked to immediately call the next person on the chain. If they get an answering machine, leave the request on the machine and go to the next person until they actually talk to a person. That person will then continue the chain, etc. There is also an email chain. These people receive the requests on email, not the phone. They do not have to forward any calls or emails, just pray for the requests. We just ask that they check their emails daily.

All requests are kept confidential. The person calling the request may include as little or as much as they wish. We would like a name (first name only is ok, and maybe an age). If their prayers are answered they may call back with a praise or thanksgiving which will also be called down the chain. Sometimes it’s nice to know our prayers are being heard!

We do not have any meetings to attend. This is a ministry that does not have a lot of outside obligations. We just pray!

To join this ministry email the Parish Office at stovparish@stov.org. Or for further information, call the parish office at 847-358-6999. and they will get in contact with Elaine Gibson. Tell her if you would like to be on the phone or email chain. She will take your name and address and mail you the phone/email chain along with our few instructions about our prayer chain.