St. Thomas Pastoral Care is committed, in the name of Christ, to offer ministries of compassion and caring to people with spiritual and personal needs.
We have key ministries that are available to our St. Thomas community. When there is a need or a commitment to become an invaluable part of any one of these ministries, please contact the church; or, in need of a clergy person, please contact the church office at 913-451-0512, and a member of the clergy will contact you. If you have a pastoral emergency, such as a death in the family, the parish voicemail system is accessible all hours. This emergency system is not able to respond to public requests for financial assistance.
Eucharistic Visitors – St. Thomas is blessed to have a team of trained and certified Lay Eucharistic Visitors who take the Eucharist out from the weekly services to those who cannot attend on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
Prayer Chain – This is an automated calling system that relays prayer requests to parishioners who would like to be in prayer for the congregation.
Walking the Mourner’s Path – Walking the Mourner’s Path is a national program run by volunteers in the Episcopal Church. It uses a set 8-week curriculum facilitated by trained volunteers. The program recommends that participants be several months from their loss, but a facilitator can talk with each participant before the group to discern whether it’s an appropriate time to participate.
St. Martha’s Guild – St. Martha’s Guild is a group who stand ready to provide a home-cooked meal at a moment’s notice! St. Martha’s Guild coordinates this meal ministry for those going through times of crisis or high stress, allowing them to focus on the tasks at hand by keeping people fed through that time.
Comfort and Love to Those Who Mourn – St. Thomas has a tradition of offering hospitality and refreshments following celebration of life services. It’s a special way for parishioners to comfort St. Thomas’ friends and families and others in our community. Clergy Visits – Pastoral care visits bring Christ’s presence to those in times of illness, transition, or need. Whether in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, or at home, these visits offer prayer, comfort, and the assurance that no one walks alone. Visits may be arranged in advance or on short notice, at the parishioner’s request. When someone is hospitalized, receiving hospice care, or approaching the end of life, clergy respond with urgency and grace,
seeking to be present quickly with prayer, sacrament, and the comfort of God’s love.
Mental Health Ministry – A team of members work together to provide awareness through education, resources, and various topics of conversation that we hope provide the community with a better understanding of the various ways mental health and wellness can impact our lives and the lives of others.
Spiritual Direction – Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening and companionship in which a trained person helps you notice God’s presence and activity in your life. It is not counseling or problem-solving but a sacred space to deepen prayer and discernment. Sessions are usually scheduled at regular intervals and focus on your relationship with God.
Pastoral Conversation with Clergy – A pastoral conversation is a confidential time to share what is on your heart. These conversations provide a safe space to talk about struggles, transitions, or questions of faith, with prayer and encouragement as appropriate. Scheduled by request, they off er the gift of compassionate listening and spiritual support.
