Community Services News

Hillcrest Community Services Ministry Newsletter Summer 2020

Quilters assist in fight against virus with sewing talents Hillcrest quilters put their skills to use to support those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. These amazing ladies sewed bed runners for Hendrick Hospice Care patients, as well as made more than 500 masks for personnel at medical facilities, retirement homes and even at Texas Parks and Wildlife. Those not blessed with sewing skills, donated fabric and materials to the group.

“Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 .

Comfort and Hope for Grieving Families Several of our Hillcrest members have experienced loss during the last few months. Even when “Shelter in Place” restrictions were in effect, Comfort and Hope Ministry members found ways to make sure these grieving families knew they weren’t alone - offering contact-free meals and a listening ear (at a distance).

Hillcrest Quietly Serves During COVID-19 Pandemic

Life during the past few months has been unlike anything most of us have ever experienced. At a time when we desperately need encouragement and support from one another, we have been asked to “stay home” and maintain appropriate “social distance” from each other. Yet, people’s daily needs continue.

Many of our brothers and sisters have stepped forward during this crisis to provide goods and critical services for our church family, as well as for the entire community. They have served quietly – not seeking credit or recognition! Many have shopped for groceries and reached out to families coping with loss, while others have sewn masks or offered encouragement with a phone call.

We hope that as you read this newsletter, you will be encouraged to think about ways you can use your own unique God-given gifts in serving others.

Who to Call to Help Comfort & Hope Ministry Betty Davis 665-3022

Sewing Projects Nancy Edgar 677-2144

Safe Families Ronica Worgull 439-1550

Christian Service Center Roseann Martin 721-3446

Meals-on-Wheels Kent & Denise Barnett 271-1976

Serving Those in Need The community need for Christian Service Center did not go away just because of a pandemic. The Service Center remained open, but made changes to the way they helped people. As expected, many of the volunteers were unable to work their normal shifts. Hillcrest members provided manpower to this much needed ministry.

Childcare Needs Met for Working Parents Over Spring Break (pre-COVID state of emergency), our Safe Families Ministry Team came together to meet the unexpected needs of some of the families Hillcrest is assisting. Volunteers took turns watching children so that their moms and dads could go to work. On some days, the children were taken care of in volunteers’ homes. As the pandemic continued and more and more restrictions were put in place, this team continued to be involved. When schools closed and no childcare was in place, volunteers buckled down to care for the children. After childcare was secured, help didn’t stop. Children were tutored, food and activities were dropped off for families and children were visited by volunteers - literally through glass windows.

Scouts Feed the Hungry Local organizations have seen a sharp decrease in volunteerism. Meals on Wheels was especially hit hard. People still needed to be fed, but fewer delivery drivers were available. Wanting to help, many of our Boy Scouts and leaders stepped in and took over delivery routes to make sure no one went hungry.