Monday Morning Flower Ministry
According to Brookwood’s history, the “Flower Ministry” began in 1991 when Carolyn Wyatt learned that Briarwood Presbyterian Church took flowers from their sanctuary and made smaller arrangements to deliver to the sick and shut-in on Monday mornings. She consulted with then Pastor Bryant Strain and Carolyn Josey about beginning this ministry. Although she knew nothing about arranging flowers, God provided Carolyn Josey, Margie Williams, Margaret Gray, Margaret Weldon, Ginny Hazelrig, Mary Rice, Vivian Bolen, and others who could and so began the Brookwood Flower Ministry.
“The Flower Ladies,” as they are affectionately known, meet on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. to prepare and deliver the flowers. This is a time of fellowship and prayer as these disciples go out in groups of two or three to nursing homes, hospitals, and homes of members, bringing the Gospel and joy in Christ. Church members assist by donating vases, baskets, and other containers to be used by this flourishing ministry. These ladies are frequently urged to “come again, even if you don’t have flowers,” because their visits brighten the days and the hearts of those struggling with illness, age, and sometimes simple loneliness. These visits extend beyond Brookwood members and family to others in facilities who long for a friendly smile and a kind word. It is not only a ministry of compassion but one of building relationships. At a time of death, the flower ladies are able to offer true comfort to families of those to whom they have ministered. After a morning of serving others, the ladies frequently enjoy lunch and fellowship together.
Recipients of the flowers have often said that this ministry meant more to them than any other ministry at Brookwood. Jackie Tobey shares, “This ministry means so very much to me as I love making the visits and sharing the flowers. In fact, the reason I am in this ministry is that while Tom was sick with his three-year battle with cancer, we were the beneficiaries of this ministry. I cannot tell you what it meant to us. The flowers were beautiful, but the visits meant even more and we could count on someone ringing that doorbell or calling to tell us they were coming.”
Anyone is welcome to become part of this great ministry. Patti Pierce says, “You don’t need to know how to arrange flowers. Anyone can come for the fellowship alone.” For more information, please contact Patti at 298-0606.
