Pastoral Ministry

Pastoral ministry is a fundamental ministry of St John’s. Pastoral ministry is a way of strengthening connections among people by reaching out beyond our doors while reaching in to our members.

When might you want pastoral support? When you or a loved one:

• is hospitalized or going through medical treatment
• is unable to get to church on Sunday and would like communion
• has a family transition
• is experiencing life stress

Each of us is engaged in informal pastoral ministry: writing a card to someone who has lost a loved one, listening to someone at coffee hour, being kind to a stranger on the bus  – all of this is pastoral ministry.

Community of Hope (COH)

Some people are called to pastoral ministry in a more formal way: visiting people in the hospital or nursing home on a regular basis, bringing communion to those unable to be with the community on Sunday morning, visiting members who have a particular need.

For those who would like to be more intentional about their ministry, St John’s offers training through participation in the Community of Hope.

COH strengthens skills in pastoral ministry, to deepen one’s own spiritual life and to create an ongoing community of support, discernment and enrichment. Initial training is offered in the fall and consists of twelve weekly modules and a retreat. Monthly Circle of Care gatherings provide ongoing support and opportunities for further formation.

For more information, please contact Ann Kraemer.

Prayer Chain

contact Jymie Anderson or the office.

The Prayer Chain is a network of people who pray for particular needs and concerns. All prayer requests are confidential. You can ask for prayers or help pray.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

contact Lois Neve.

Knit or crochet simple Prayer Shawls that are given to individuals in the parish and to the Parish Nurse to distribute. Simple patterns are available.

Eucharistic Visitors

contact Ginny Jacobson or Kristi Peterson.

A team of trained lay ministers is available to bring communion to those unable to worship in church.

Pastoral Support/Hospital Visits

Contact Ginny Jacobson or Kristi Peterson.

Trained individuals are available for listening and companionship.

Hotdish Ministry

Contact JoAnn Blatchley.

The Hotdish ministry is a group of St. John’s parishioners who volunteer to prepare a meal for other St. John’s members in need.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, caring for someone who is ill or infirmed, or just need a personal break, the Hotdish ministry is here for you. We just need to know the extent of your need, the number of people needed to feed and any dietary restrictions and we will organize a plan.

Chair Yoga

Contact Mary Corlett.

Come breathe, stretch, strengthen and pray with people wanting to stay healthy and active. Most participants use chairs but we welcome people with their own mats to join us in these basic yoga poses. We meet at 5:45 – 6:45 pm on Tuesdays in the Parish Hall. Free will offering.

Spiritual direction

Contact Lisa Wiens Heinsohn.

Spiritual Direction is a ministry of listening with another to the Holy in daily life. The office maintains a list of professional spiritual directors who have been commissioned by the Bishop for this ministry.

Referrals for Counseling

Contact Lisa Wiens Heinsohn.

For long term counseling needs, the office maintains a referral list of professionally trained counselors.

Service of Loss and Remembrance

An afternoon service on a Sunday in Advent for anyone who finds this time of year difficult. Pastoral ministers are available for one on one conversation after the service.

Columbarium

St. John’s has a columbarium in the Chapel to provide a place on the church premises for the inurnment of cremated remains of St. John’s members and their families. Contact the office for more information.