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At St. John’s, we believe in the concept of mutual ministry. In that regard, pastoral care is not just care by the pastor for the parishioners. We define pastoral care as how we, individually and collectively, reach out to one another in the name of Christ.

During our worship, parishioners who are ill and those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries are specifically prayed for. On the first Sunday of each month, those who are celebrating birthdays gather around the altar for a community prayer. During the week, the Prayer Chain, a small group, prays for people who are suffering a severe, acute illness.

When a baby is born, the rector goes to the hospital to bless and thank God for the newborn. The following Sunday, or when a child is adopted, a rose is put on the altar celebrating new life in our community. The first time the baby or child comes to church, he or she and the family receive a special blessing from the rector.

For those who are sick, in the hospital, nursing or rehabilitation facilities or homebound, a Lay Eucharistic Visitor will bring communion to that person and spend some time with them. On Sundays, during our worship, the visitors are commissioned by our deacon following communion. Also on Sundays, trained lay people offer anointing of the sick during communion. During the week, or on Sunday afternoon, a dedicated group of people take flowers from the service to others who are celebrating special occasions or who are sick.

When a parishioner dies, there is a group of parishioners who call around to inform others of the death. Convenient times, such as evenings, Saturdays and weekends are available for the families for funerals or memorial services, so that friends both inside and outside the parish who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. Because we perceive ourselves to be an extended family, these services are usually well attended by members of the parish. The St. John’s chapter of the Daughters of the King has a special ministry to those who are bereaved. They visit the families, care for and develop a relationship with those who are going through the grieving process.

Our newsletter, News & Views, publishes every parishioner’s birthday for each month. Parishioners are encouraged to send cards, particularly to the elderly on their birthday. They are also encouraged to send cards to an ill child.

The St. John’s Welcoming Committee delivers bread to people who complete a visitor form. When they join the parish, we have a welcome liturgy during the service.

Counseling is available on a short-term basis with the clergy by appointment. Referrals for extended counseling are also available.

Baptism and Confirmation instruction are provided by both clergy and lay people.

For those who are getting married at St. John’s, premarital counseling is required and given by the rector.

The rector also offers the sacrament of Reconciliation of the Penitent by appointment.

All of the above are formal ways of caring for one another at St. John’s. Just as important are the informal ways we show our affection: taking one another to lunch, calling to see if there is anything the person needs, driving others to church and other places, visiting one another both at home and the hospital or nursing homes, mutual support when a new baby arrives, babysitting services, and much more.