The Pastoral Care Team was first formed in April 2010, and currently consists of 7 faithful and committed members: Kim Harrison (Team Lead), Pat Kramer, Linda McCormick, Rob Riley and Becky Tunks. This is a shared ministry, coordinated by the Pastoral Care Team, under the direction of our Session, and the leadership of our minister. Pastoral Care ministries involve many persons including:
- The Minister;
- Pastoral Care Team Members
- Elders
- Pastoral care visitors
- Prayer Shawl ministry team
- Supportive care volunteers, and
- Other congregational members.
Each of the Pastoral Care ministries is offered to nurture and support our faith family, demonstrating God’s compassion and love. Our goal is to provide immediate and practical outreach support for our congregation, in order to reaffirm our connection as a family, and caring for one other. We do this through daily support, which includes:
- People who walk into our church who need assistance;
- Weekly care (hospital visits, long-term care, which includes visits to nursing homes in the Ingersoll and Woodstock area; people who are home bound; those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; those in hospitals who are waiting for permanent placement in nursing homes);
- Emergency response (food for families, unexpected or urgent response which will be delegated to the minister and/or experienced pastoral visitors) and
- Nursing home services that occur every 9 weeks.
Our purpose is to provide short-term assistance for those individuals/families that are experiencing a personal or family crisis. The help offered will form another level of congregational support to those within the St. Paul’s family. Our motto is
“Pastoral Care = Personal Touch”
Our team meets monthly to discuss the following ministries:
- Welcome Cards
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
- Cards for bereavement, baptisms, new members and transfers
- Tree of Life in our nursery
- Nursing home and personal home visitors
- Healthy Lifestyle programming
- Prayer Partner ministry