Willmann Trust Board
The Willmann Trust Board continues to provide support to pastoral care ministries at St George. From providing funds to support Fr Keith Davis to supporting our Community Partners with end-of-calendar year financial gifts, the Willmann Board continues to honor Clara Willmann’s vision to “help hurting people.” In 2024, the Willmann Board made the following grants: West Avenue Compassion $4,200; Magdalena House $3,300; Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying $2,800; Northeast Senior Assistance $1,400. Additionally, the Willmann Fund investments continue to perform well through the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Foundation.
The Willmann Trust is established with the proceeds of a gift made to St. George Episcopal Church for the purpose of carrying on pastoral care ministries. Pastoral care ministries are caring and healing ministries, as demonstrated by the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ, to individual people dealing with their individual, as opposed to group, needs and involve meeting emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of hurting people.
Such ministries are those pastoral care ministries that may hereafter be carried on under the direction of the Rector of the church with his approval of the Vestry of the church, as reflected in the official minutes or other official records of the Vestry.
St. George, Community of Hope International
The St. George COHI Center was commissioned on June 20, 2016, and is facilitated by Pam Piedfort. Current duly trained lay chaplains include Andy Nodine, Catherine Carr, Jane Ahuero, Carol Molina, Pat Zumbro, Rhonda Cunningham, JoAnn Eskilsen (St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Devine), and Pam Piedfort. The Rev. Keith Davis joined our parish in the summer of 2023 as Associate Rector with a pastoral care focus and has been an indispensable support in our Circle of Care gatherings, held once a month to debrief our experiences as lay chaplains and support each other’s spiritual growth.
COHI, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, was established at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston to train lay chaplains to help over-scheduled clergy chaplains. The ancient The Rule of St. Benedict was chosen as COHI’s supporting spiritual philosophy. Our organization was founded to form praying communities, strive to see Christ in everyone, and be a nonjudgmental listening presence to those we encounter daily. Each lay chaplain includes reading St. Benedict’s Rule in their daily spiritual practice.
Our COHI center continues to serve those on the church prayer list and others with visits, phone calls, errands, rides to church, meals, and much more. The list is maintained by Father Keith, Andy Nodine, and Catherine Carr. All lay chaplains call or visit those on the list periodically to relay the church’s prayers and concerns. Additionally, we have eight licensed Lay Eucharistic Visitors who bring Holy Communion to any care receiver who wishes to receive it.
Those who wish to receive more information about COHI may contact any lay chaplain listed above or go to our website: cohi.org.
Faith Chest Ministry
This ministry began in 2004. It is based upon a presentation that Rev. Ray Cole (then Rector of St. George) and Pat Whitehouse (Member of St. George) learned of as attendees at a conference. Father Cole and Pat returned from this meeting with the idea that a chest is handmade by members of the church and given to individuals (children and adults) upon their baptism at St. George. The goal is that this "faith chest" would provide a repository for a recipient's journey throughout their Christian life. The chest design for St George was finalized as a 10"x12"x12" stained wood chest with a Cross mounted on the front. An engraved metal label bearing the recipient’s name was mounted on the chest lid. A hinged lid, handles on either side of the chest, and green felt lining completed the design.
After 13 years, the builder of the chests recommended a smaller chest be made that would work better for the families. At the end of 2018, Alan Johnston retired from the Faith Chest Ministry and passed on the mantle to the church. We currently source chests that are smaller in nature as our previous builders have moved on from building them for us but the design and intention remains the same. We always welcome someone in the parish building these by hand in the future!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
In the second half of 2023, we added a Prayer Shawl Ministry, also known as St. George Sacred Stitches. This ministry is another way to serve our church and community members. Our numbers fluctuate, but we have an average of 8 ladies weekly. We meet at 9:30 every Wednesday morning in the St. John’s meeting room. We estimate we will have given more than 50 pocket crosses and dozens of prayer shawls and baby blankets alone this year. There is so much more to this ministry than just knitting and crocheting. We stitch, chat, pray, share, encourage, teach, and bless others with our shawls, prayer crosses, baby blankets, and lap blankets.
If you crochet or knit (or want to learn), drink coffee, or just want to chat, consider joining us.
Following the prayer shawl time, there's an outstanding Bible study at 10:30 led by Fr. Ram and/or Fr. Keith. Their knowledge will blow your mind!
You are also invited to join us for a Wednesday Eucharist and Healing Service at Noon. Experience a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we gather to seek God’s healing grace and celebrate His presence. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday.