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Pastoral Care at Deep River Community Church
doesn’t strictly fit in to any of our
categories. This is very fitting, as it is
one of the most important functions of the
church. Through the Pastoral Care work, the
church hopes to be aware of any
difficulties, needs and concerns our people
may have, and to help in resolving them.
This work is conducted through several lines
of communication and contact, and requests
for pastoral care can come through many
sources though generally through the church
office or ministers.
Our minister, the Rev. Paul Evans,
provides direct support and comfort to
people and their families in our
congregation who are seriously ill, in
bereavement or who have a strong need for
counsel and help. He also visits those who
are shut-in and any others who need help
from the minister.
Our voluntary associate minister, Rev.
Andy McKee, chairs the
Pastoral Care Committee and coordinates
the lay pastoral care teams. He shares the
visiting of people who are shut in and those
in hospital with Paul. He also attends to
those who live out of town and in other
communities.
Another branch of the Pastoral Care
Committee’s work, which also comes under
Andy’s leadership, is the Church
telephoners
group. There are about 35 people in this
group. Together, they maintain contact with
everyone in the congregation, by calling
them once or twice during the year and
providing an opportunity for people to voice
their concerns either personally or with the
church.
A pastoral care team also serves
general pastoral care needs for the church.
Team members visit people who can’t easily
get out to church or to visit with others;
people in hospital, long term care and
others who may need pastoral care. When
needed, they will take concerns about
yourself or a friend to Paul and Andy. |
