Card Ministry

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
A word of encouragement goes a long way to comfort those who are sick or grieving, celebrate a joyous occasion, and share God’s love. A card ministry allows you to show that you care even when you are not present physically.

Steps

Advertise the ministry through your church and recruit volunteers.
Choose a cause. Identify the recipients and/or consider specific occasions to focus on:

Possible Recipients	Causes
Pastors and church leaders	Baptism
Shut-ins	Sympathy/loss
The sick	Wedding and engagement
New church members/visitors	Birthdays
College students/international students	Holidays
Victims of abuse	Graduation
Prisoners	New job
Hospice workers/patients	Thank you and appreciation
Missionaries	Encouragement
Armed forces	Baby/expecting
Senior citizens	Care & concern

Collect supplies. Ask for donations from church members, dollar stores, the local post office, craft stores, stationery stores, etc. You may use ready-made cards or make your own. Some supplies you will need: paper, scissors, glue, envelopes, pens and markers, decorative items, stencils, stamps, etc.
Select a time and place your ministry will meet. Some card ministries meet once a month throughout the year.
Come up with a mailing list, updating it constantly. Consult the church directory and newsletter for those with specific needs or prayer requests.
On the day you work, organize your volunteers into different workstations: create, assemble, write and address.
Drop off the cards at the post office.

Tips

Microsoft Office allows you to easily import your mailing list and print address labels.
Consider collaborating with DaySpring Cards, a Christian greeting card company that donates Christian greeting cards to prisons across the States.
If sending cards to military members, be aware that addressing the cards to “Any Service Member or Any Wounded Warrior” is prohibited.