PASTORAL CARING - MEANS WHAT?
"Pastoral" is an older church word that refers to "shepherding." It's the kind of caregiving referred to in Psalm 23, where, despite the harshness of the surrounding environment, one feels safe, protected, provided for, confident.
Such caring at the church comes in many forms, and for many, is the primary benefit they seek from the church. Showing care to one another is a responsibility of all the people of God, which we take on in our baptismal vows. Trained helpers (social workers, nurses, physicians, psychologists, pastors, etc.) are part of the team. However, ordinary people (all of us) in the church are the resource that make much healing possible, and life a joy. Indeed, far more problems are solved over coffee with a friend than in a professional's office.
Emergencies
The first priority for the trained pastoral staff (ordained minister Gordon Taylor, and diaconal minister Lori Stewart) at Fort Garry United Church relates to congregants finding themselves in emergency situations - where life, health, sanity or liberty are at risk.
With many years of experience under their respective belts, and many years of specialized training, Gordon and Lori have "been there" with others before you.
Whether it is at a hospital emergency room, psychiatric ward, remand centre, minimum, medium or maximum security prison, funeral home, risk-of-suicide vigil, addiction treatment facility, deportation hearing, etc., a pastoral care giver can provide invaluable reassurance, experience, and support as you and yours face some of the 3rd degree challenges of life. They may also be able to introduce you to another congregant, who has had similar experience, who can walk your journey with you.
When in need - contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
At A Death, Funerals
The second priority for the Pastoral Staff relates to the death of loved ones, whether expected or sudden. The relational and spiritual issues families and friends face when a loved one is dying, or has passed on, can be made easier, and indeed, holier, by the presence and guidance of one of your ministers. Again, do not overlook the neighbour in the pews who has grief and healing experience.
Please consider the advance planning materials available on our funeral / memorial page.
When in need - contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Counselling - Individual, Couple, Family
"A problem shared is a problem halved." Almost any problem benefits by discussion with a capable and caring listener. Whether it is an issue of a broken heart, an upset soul, an unsupportive body, a disturbance of mind, or a frictional relationship, you may begin to explore your concerns in a confidential environment with the church's pastoral staff.
Generally speaking, the pastoral staff may be preliminary helpers to assist you to begin to find the assistance you need. Many issues of this kind develop over long periods before coming to a head. Therefore, please note a couple of realities:
- Though painful, some concerns may not be considered emergencies that demand instant response from your pastors. You may expect a caring reply to your immediate circumstance, but be asked to wait for the next available appointment;
- Substantial periods of time may be needed to untangle the knot, or change circumstances. Counselling support from Pastoral leaders is limited to two or three visits. Referrals to other, long-term support options, within or beyond the church, should be expected;
- Expert counselling resources specific to your situation may be required; Again, please be prepared for a referral to other capable helpers, either in, or beyond, the congregation.
When in need - contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Visiting
A relationship is like a bridge. The stronger it is, the more freight of pain and glory may pass across.
It is good to establish a link with pastoral care givers before a crisis arrives. Feel free to call the church office to invite a visit from one of the church staff.
BEFORE a need - contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Support Groups
From time to time, support groups are established to link together congregants with similar needs. For example, After-Death Support Groups, People-In-Transition (re-singled), and Dealing with Depression have been our most popular groups.
These are generally closed groups, in that, once started, additional members are not added, but asked to join the next group. This is to allow growth and change to take place without always returning to square one with newcomers to the group.
Interested in leading, or attending, a group? Contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Events
From time to time, individual events are created to provide information, or workshop settings to assist congregants in thinking through pastoral challenges common to many. For example, several Advanced Health Care Directive (Living Will), Can We Talk (Advance planning end of life issues with family), and Mental Healthevents have been offered in recent years. These often generate interest in the support groups mentioned above.
Interested in leading, or attending, such an event? Contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Caring Connections
There are a variety of ways in which ongoing caring connection is enabled through the faith community. As we have the volunteers and resources, these include:
- Prayer - inviting the Holy One into the life and challenges we face is a ministry all can do. A confidential prayer chain, and public prayer-request list are two means by which the prayers of the people may be offered.
- Caring Cards - are hand-made and personally sent by a small team of pastoral care-givers at FGUC.
- Casseroles - volunteers prepare occasional, additional meals to be delivered to someone in need.
- Bread Ministry - Bakers make bread, and front-step deliveries to newcomers to the church, a symbol of welcome and nourishment in the faith community;
- Prayer Shawls - skeins of wool are transformed into cozy shawls, with each loop infused by the caring prayers of the knitter; delivered to those needing the comforting embrace of the love of God.
Are any of these your place to participate? Contact the church at 204.475.1586, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
