Pastoral Ministry

St. John’s has a very active pastoral ministry to promote wholeness and healing among parishioners, empowering them to bring Jesus’ compassion, hope, and justice to all.  In addition to the visitation, counseling, prayer and worship services provided by the Rector and Associate Rector, we have an extensive lay ministry that adds a significant dimension to our ability to bring Christ’s message and teaching to all members of our parish, whether or not they are able to attend organized church services.

The members of our Pastoral Commission and the many people who help them are happy to offer their time and talent to enrich the lives of our parish family in many ways.  If you know of someone who would benefit from one of the services outlined below, or if you wish to assist in any of these activities, please contact the Parish Office.

• Flower Delivery:  Each week, we deliver altar flowers to parishioners in the hospital or ill at home.

• Food for Friends:  When parishioners are recovering from surgery or a hospital stay, volunteers bring them meals that can be easily heated and eaten.

• Lay Pastoral Visitors:  We feel that it is important to visit parishioners who are shut in, live alone, or are in need of a ministry of presence, and a group of volunteers makes it their mission to ensure that these individuals are able to regularly see and talk with someone from the parish.
  
  
• Lay Eucharistic Visitors: Each Sunday, lay persons from the Congregation take Holy Communion to individuals who are unable to come to church and receive Communion at the Altar rail.
  
  
• Prayer Partners: The St. John's Prayer Partners are a group of dedicated individuals who meet quarterly for prayer and learning. They offer prayers of Praise, Thanksgiving, Intercession and Petition. You may request prayer or become a Prayer Partner by contacting Deacon Ann Whitesel or through the church office (243-4220).

• Medical Pastoral Visitors:  Parishioners, who are also medical professionals, are available on request to visit in hospitals, extended care facilities, or at home and to listen or act as an advocate or facilitator in the healthcare system.

• Men’s Prayer Breakfast:  This is a monthly meeting of parish men for fellowship and prayer. The group meets from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month from September – May.  They enjoy breakfast prepared by several of the attended and follow the meal with Bible discussion and prayer.

• Women at the Well:  Approximately 25-30 women meet from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month from October through April. The monthly programs offer them an opportunity to enrich their spiritual lives through contemplation and sharing of ideas.
  
  
• The Shawl Ministry: This new ministry is a combination of pastoral care, outreach and fellowship.  The “Shawl Ministry” creates comforting shawls which are given to those experiencing health and personal challenges.  You can learn more about the history behind this movement at the Prayer Shawl Ministry web site: www.shawlministry.com. The St. John's group meets every fourth Tuesday at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. If you wish to help, please contact Mother Robin Szoke.

• Parish Health Committee:  This is an overarching committee that meets periodically to address parish health issues.

• Transportation:  We provide transportation (usually for medical appointments) for those unable to drive themselves.

• Blood Bank:  St. John’s organizes and conducts four blood drives a year—normally the second Thursday in March, June, October, and after December 25.