You are not meant to carry life alone.
In seasons of joy, grief, illness, change, or uncertainty, the church becomes most fully the church when we care for one another. Palmer’s pastoral care ministries offer prayer, presence, practical support, and companionship — for parishioners and for the wider community.
If you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out so that we can walk together. Email or call the church office at 713-529-6196.
Out-of-Town Medical Guests please click HERE for more information on Palmer's ministry to The Texas Medical Center.
Below are the many ways our community offers prayer, presence, and practical support. If you’re not sure where to begin, please contact The Rev’d Allen Junek at or reach out to any of the ministry contacts listed below.
Caregiver Support Group
A monthly online gathering for those caring for loved ones who are aging, ill, or declining. Participants share experiences, encouragement, and prayer in a compassionate and confidential environment. Contact: Rita Justice — • 713-858-2167
Clergy Care & Visits
Clergy are available for pastoral visits at home, in the hospital, or during significant life transitions. Visits may include prayer, conversation, sacrament, or simply a compassionate listening presence. Many people request a visit during times of discernment, anxiety, grief, or celebration. Contact: The Rev’d Allen M. Junek — • 979-450-9535
Daughters of the King
A community of women devoted to prayer, service, and spiritual growth who pray daily for the needs of the parish and world. Contact: Pam Longley — • 713-822-8234
Eucharistic Visitors
Trained lay ministers bring Holy Communion from Sunday worship to those who are homebound, ill, or living in care facilities. A brief liturgy, scripture, and prayer accompany each visit so recipients remain connected to the worshipping community. Contact: • 713-529-6196
Hospital Visits
Clergy and trained lay chaplains visit those hospitalized in the Texas Medical Center and surrounding hospitals. These visits offer prayer, encouragement, and reassurance that the church remains close during vulnerable moments. Contact: The Rev’d Allen M. Junek — • 979-450-9535
Loaves & Fishes
When daily life becomes overwhelming—after surgery, during illness, or welcoming a child—volunteers provide meals, errands, and practical support so individuals and families can focus on healing. Contact: Laura Van Ness — • 713-829-2631
Order of St. Luke (Healing Prayer)
During Sunday worship trained prayer ministers offer confidential prayers for healing, discernment, or any concern weighing on your heart. Contact: Jackie Campbell — • 713-516-4880
Prayer Requests
Each week the parish prays by name for those needing healing, comfort, thanksgiving, or strength. Names may be submitted for yourself or someone you love and are held in faithful prayer by the community. Contact: • 979-450-9535
Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministers commit to confidential one-on-one visits with an assigned care receiver, typically once a week for approximately one hour to serve as an empathetic companion for anyone experiencing any type of loss or life transitions, including loss of a loved one, illness, job loss, or divorce. Palmers may apply for the free training consisting of 50 hours of workshops offered on a weekly basis each fall, in which experienced Palmer trainers demonstrate listening and supportive skills. To apply or to refer care receivers contact Laurie Rigby at or text at (713) 818-4511.
Surviving Widowhood
This is a compassionate group of men and women who have lost their spouse, meeting informally to provide opportunity to share feelings and experiences as well as practical help for problems being confronted for the first time. The group, created in 2021, paused its meetings several years ago with the intent of gathering again when the need was expressed. That need is being expressed now. Meetings are the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 PM in Room A202. Everyone is welcome regardless of membership at Palmer. Facilitators are Jackie Campbell, Don Tobin and Arlene Price. In-person participation is preferred but understanding it is not always possible to get to the Palmer campus, a zoom link will be made available. For more information, contact Jackie at
Walking the Mourner's Path
This small group for those mourning the death of a loved one is Christ-centered and open to anyone in our larger community needing support. Trained facilitators create a safe space and
guide participants through eight weekly meetings of prayer, reflections, and exercises using a proven curriculum and workbook. Feelings of loss, being stuck in grief, the need to process the grief experience in body, mind and spirit, and the desire to honor their loved one’s memory are just a few of the topics discussed with others who share the experience of grieving and
mourning.
Leads:
The Rev. Linda Shelton, Deacon (Retired) 713-885-2169
Jeanine Baker 713-412-8272
Janet Covington 713-664-4273
Betty Key 713-859-9026
Marie Wehrung 713-443-7905
Wedding Guild
Coordinators guide couples through planning their wedding liturgy at Palmer, helping the day remain centered on the sacredness of the marriage covenant. Contact: Ragna Case — • 713-818-9772
Wrapped in Prayer Ministry
Handmade shawls and blankets are prayerfully created and blessed before being shared with those facing illness, loss, or hardship. These tangible gifts remind recipients they are surrounded by care. Contact: Barbara Hass — • 713-202-2505