Pastoral Care, like all of our ministries, has had to reimagine some of its work and put some of its work on hold. A vibrant phone ministry began very strongly at the beginning of our sheltering in place. Over time, close to eighty parishioners have called other parishioners to check in and see if anything was needed. Initially there was some matching of parishioners willing to do errands with those who needed that service, but over time, most people have found their own solutions. One unexpected outcome has been a thorough update of our database, as we’ve corrected a lot of contact information! Some of our phone ministers continue to call those who have enjoyed these check-ins, and new relationships have been nurtured.
Most of our in-person ministries have been suspended. Eucharistic Visitors, Walking the Mourner’s Path, Flower Ministry, St. David’s Friends, Driving Angels and Caring Meals are all awaiting a safe time to resume. But other ministries, like the Needleworks Guild, have flourished! Seeking Hope and #JourneyingForward have managed to meet, either virtually or with very few people in attendance. And we are very pleased that our Twelve Step Groups have been able to meet under strict guidelines.
The faithful Stephen Ministers continue their individual ongoing ministries with their Care Receivers over Zoom and the phone. In addition, they have continued to meet for Group Supervision and Continuing Education. And finally, the Career Transition Ministry is transitioning itself into a new incarnation which we hope will be more broadly useful to all ages.
The Rev. Elizabeth Colton