Edgebrook Covenant Church - Are you wondering about the calls that you receive from Edgebrook Covenant Church members? We have a number of different reasons and methods of contacting each other when it is necessary. You may have even signed up for the PRAYER CHAIN recently as we have been asking for volunteers in the bulletin. We would like to explain what these calls are and when they are made.
Prayer Chain This is made up of church members who are committed to pray for the emergency needs of others as the needs occur. Usually, these needs are added to our prayer sheet that is available to us on Sunday morning, but sometimes the needs are more urgent and need immediate involvement. An example may be an accident with injuries, emergency hospitalization or surgery - URGENT NEEDS.
The prayer chain is started with the first person calling the next person on down the list and giving them the information. The second person calls the third, etc. etc. If a caller does not reach anyone they go on to the next person on the list until they have made contact. Messages may be left on machines but the caller will continue down the list until they have reached someone personally. The people called by this system are those who have volunteered to be on the PRAYER CHAIN and to pray.
Telephone Call Tree This is made up of 10-12 church members who each agree to call approximately 10 to 12 people to notify them of an occurrence that also can not wait until Sunday announcements. This system insures that each member and regular attendee of the congregation is called. An example of this would be if there is a death and the services will be held before the next gathering of the church family. Since we have no way of knowing who needs this information and who does not, every member is called so that we do not miss anyone who would have wanted to know. These messages can be given in person or left on an answering machine - allowing time for the interested person to call the church for more information if needed. Please note: we have lost a number of people recently who have been doing this and currently we need about six more people who would be willing to make these calls. If you can help here please call Ginny in the church office (773-763-4230) or Barbara Swanstrom (773-725-8896). You would call the same people each time you are contacted and it would only be a few times a year.
Care Groups Each of our Deacons is assigned a group of church members and regular attendees that he or she stays in touch with throughout the year. You may be hearing from them from time to time just to say hello and find out how you are. Feel free to ask them to bring any concerns, prayer requests, or suggestions back to the Deacon board meetings. You should know that these people are remembering you especially throughout the year in prayer. Nice, huh?
We hope that this clears up the reason for your telephone calls and messages from your church family. And we hope that you will consider helping on the Prayer Chain or on the Telephone Tree as you are able! — Barbara Swanstrom
