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Pastoral Care is often thought of as something that only the pastor does: visit the sick, tend the weary, give comfort to the ill. Certainly, pastoral care is an important part of our clergys' ministry, but it is also a ministry to which we are each called.
Many people at St. Matthew's are called to reach out and care from sisters and brothers in a number of different ways. Among them are:
Stephen Ministry - An organized lay ministry that trains and equips men and women to provide comfort, care, a listening ear to people during time of need. This is not counseling, treatment, or therapy - and everything discussed is confidential. What it is is someone to walk with another on a difficult part of the journey.
Hospital Visitors - People who visit members of the congregation who may be hospitalized when asked by the parishioner or clergy.
Prayer Chain - A caring community of people who pray for any and all who are in need. People's names and the prayer concerns are sent to an email address, where a prayer list is updated and distributed to those who pray. We welcome all who want us to pray! Anyone may be a member of the praying community.
Calling on the Housebound - Bringing Holy Communion to those who can't get to church is done Deacon Bruce DeGooyer and Eucharistic Visitors under Deacon Bruce's supervision.
Communion at Westminster Village - A service conducted the first Friday of each month at 7:15 PM. Congregation members who live in the village, as well as anyone who wants to join, gather to sing, pray, and break bread together.
Partners in Healing -
Every month, churches throughout our area pray for the patients and staff of BroMenn Regional Medical Center. This ministry, called Partners in Healing, is administered by the Spiritual Care Services Department at the hospital, of which our own Mother Mollie is a chaplain. As of last count, thirty-five congregations are participating. You may see one or more of their names if you visit the hospital. Signs are posted near the elevators on various floors and at the entrance to certain units. Many patients, doctors, and nurses have reported how important and supportive they feel this ministry to be.
During October 2008, St. Matthew’s will be praying for the Inpatient Unit (IU). The 25 bed inpatient unit at ECH carries an average census of 10 patients. The unit serves all kinds of patients, including surgical, cardiac and general medical patients.
Please keep the patients, families, doctors, nurses, and other staff of this unit in your daily prayers.
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