Parish Volunteer Services: Parish Contacts

Parish Contacts and Co-Contacts

Parish Contacts and Co-Contacts are volunteer liaisons between ESM and their congregation. They are oriented so that they learn about the services and resources of ESM and throughout the year, they receive special updates and resource information to keep their congregation – clergy, vestry and members – appraised and involved in senior ministries. They also provide ESM with feedback about the needs of seniors and caregivers in their congregation.

Annual Diocesan-wide Activities for Congregations

Senior Celebrations

Each year during May, Older American's month, Episcopal Senior Ministries honors the accomplishments and service of seniors in Episcopal congregations throughout the Diocese of Washington. Seniors nominated by each congregation are invited to attend one of two diocesan- wide celebrations. All those who are nominated are listed in a program booklet.

These events are supported by contributions and advertisements in the program booklet and by Episcopal Senior Ministries.

Participants: Those seniors who are recommended by their congregation for the contributions they have made to their congregations and communities.

Selection Process: Rectors or lay leaders from congregations submit a list of honorees from their congregation. The size of the list is decided by the individual congregation. Ages of honorees have ranged between 50 and 102. Honorees may range from high profile congregation and community volunteers to the person who makes coffee after each service on Sundays. This is an opportunity for the congregation to reflect on the many contributions, whether small or large, that seniors make to enhance parish and community life. Each person who is nominated receives an invitation to the events. Congregations have the opportunity to honor a special senior(s) or group through purchasing an announcement/advertisement in the program booklet.

The Celebrations: Invitees may choose to attend the celebration event in the southern portion of the diocese or one in the northern area. The events include a catered meal, keynote speaker, and Parish and Community Services Awards presentation which are given to congregations or congregational groups rather than individuals. There is no charge to attend the event though contributions are welcomed.

Parish Volunteer Services Awards

Each year at the Senior Celebrations, ESM presents Parish and Community Services Awards to congregations or congregational groups which have met the criteria for the year. Awards have been given for:

1995 - Congregations which organized senior groups,

1996 - Congregrations which sponsored educational forums on senior issues or resources,

1997 - Congregations which developed programs for those who are frail and homebound, and

1998 - Congregations which had model programs which could be developed by others.

1999 - Congregations which had conducted a planning process and formulated recommendations to prepare for the impact of aging on their congregation and community in the 21st Century.

2000 - Congregations which had conducted a planning process and formulated recommendations to prepare for the impact of aging on their congregation or had begun implementing a program or service based on their study.

2001 - Congregations which addressed accessibility and/or caregiving.

2002 - Congregations which addressed caregiving, accessibility and/or transportation

2003 - Congregations which addressed intergenerational caregiving

2004 - Individuals who provide leadership in senior ministries at their parish

2005 - Parish outreach activities

2006 - Parish Volunteer Days Campaign Participants

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