Calvary offers many opportunities to reach beyond ourselves to take care of each other. Pastoral Care and Outreach both meet needs beyond ourselves.
Serve
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is the shared ministry
of loving one another and serving as God’s heart
and hands here on earth.
When to call a priest:
Please notify the Rector at any time of personal crisis, illness, or life-changing event. HIPPA confidentiality laws do not permit hospitals to notify the church when you or a loved one are hospitalized.
In case of a pastoral emergency, please call (716) 633-7800.
After business hours, call: (716) 263-2392.
Please understand that many of our Pastoral Ministries are suspended during the pandemic.
We will not endanger the health of our vulnerable by potentially exposing them to disease.
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The Pastoral Care Team
Led by the Rector and Sharon Jackson, the Pastoral Care Team meets monthly to address the on-going needs of the congregation and friends within the community. While meetings are confidential, we rely upon the members of the parish to alert us when someone is ill and in need of care. Please contact the parish office (633-7800) with pastoral care needs.
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Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Eucharistic Visitors extend the connection to the communion table for those who are not able to attend services at Calvary. Let the church know if you or someone you know would like to receive Holy Communion at home.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
One way we share the warmth of the congregation with those who cannot be physically present is to provide them with a handmade prayer shawl. Prayer shawls are delivered by the Eucharistic Visitors, but also are available to others upon request. Let the church know if you would like to knit or crochet shawls or if you know of someone who should receive a shawl.
Contact Sharon Jackson or the parish office.
Eucharistic Visitors may download this report form.
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Congregational Care
The Congregational Care Team sends out cards and small remembrances and makes friendly phone calls. The Team sends care packages to our college students and organizes to meet any needs that arise for the members. Volunteers are welcome.
- Healing Meals – When hot soup or a warm casserole are just what the doctor ordered or when a family has suffered a loss, Calvary’s helpers will prepare and deliver meals as needed.
- Rides for Worship and Church Events – A core group of parishioners have been trained as volunteers for Hearts and Hands to provide rides and other help for their service recipients. We encourage our parishioners who live in the Town of Amherst to sign up for services with Hearts and Hands. We will provide assistance to anyone desiring to make this connection, and we will arrange training for parishioners who wish to be volunteers.
- Pet Ministry – Our newly formed pet ministry seeks a Christian connection with people through their pets. We work to support pet owners, local animal organizations, and to advocate for all of God’s creatures. Pet ministry also sponsors an annual Blessing of the Animals.
Contact Elizabeth Harten or the parish office.
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The Flower Ministry
The members of the Flower Ministry divide the donated altar flower arrangements into smaller bouquets to be delivered to parishioners who are ill, homebound, or celebrating a special occasion. This ministry brings great joy to everyone served.
Contact Ellie Yuhasz or the parish office.
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The Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain quietly, confidentially, and promptly responds to all prayer requests that come directly from parishioners, from the clergy, or from submitted Prayer Request Cards located in the pews.
Anyone may request prayers by filling out a Prayer Request Card found in the pews, by calling the parish office at 633-7800, or by emailing general@calvaryepiscopal.net.
Contact George Mayer or the parish office.
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Funeral Receptions
This most compassionate ministry is available to families following a funeral or memorial service held at the church.
Contact Karen Davidson or the parish office, 633-7800.
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Good Grief
This peer support group is for those who have suffered any loss, such as a loved one, a job, health, a marriage or a relationship.
Come to listen or come to talk. Come to cry or try to laugh. Come join the group to lighten the heaviness in your heart. Know that you are in the presence of others who understand and are confident in the knowledge that God loves you. People of any - or no - denomination are welcome.
Good Grief usually meets at 9:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of the month. Check the calendar.
Contact Ellen Marshall, Patty Rooss or the parish office.
Outreach
One of Calvary's top priorities is to provide for the needs of others in the community and the world.
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Buffalo Public School 30
Calvary donates school supplies for the students of School 30 and the church funds several educational and cultural programs during the school year. Through the Mitten Tree project in December, Calvary collects and distributes over 200 Christmas gifts to students in 2nd and 4th grades.
Calvary volunteers work with students individually through the New York State Mentoring Program.
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Refugee Ministry
Each autumn, volunteers from Calvary knit warm hats, gloves and scarves for refugees unused to WNY winter weather.
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Friends of Night People
Calvary helps provide nutritious meals for homeless and hungry individuals. Volunteers go to the center every other month to help prepare dinner for the people who come to the agency.
Clothing and toiletries are collected year round.
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Family Justice Center
Calvary assisted in the opening of the Northtown branch of the Family Justice Center, which provides counseling and help to victims of domestic abuse. Calvary donated funds, books, and furniture, and continues to donate time and supplies, to make the Center a success.
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CYM Deposit Bottle & Can Drive
Calvary's Children and Youth Ministries Program sponsors an ongoing deposit bottle and can drive. The nickels collected have resulted in hundreds of dollars being donated to global relief efforts.
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United Thank Offering
Calvary members contribute generously to this nationwide program which provides assistance to needy people worldwide. The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, men, women and children nurture the habit of giving thanks to God by recognizing and naming daily blessings.
