Pastoral care
As Christians we are commanded to love each other, carry each other's burdens, be kind to each other. We all have this responsibility as we go about our ordinary lives. Within St. John's, Home Groups provide the basic level of care, and give opportunities for getting to know each other, and for giving and receiving and care and concern, but there are times for all of us when friendly support is not quite enough. Perhaps there is distress, bereavement, pressure or sickness – or a sense of spiritual emptiness. We provide help for these situations in more structured ways.
Individual prayer
After the evening services, there are members of the Prayer Ministry Team available at the front of the church, near the Baptism font, to pray with anyone who feels the need of prayer for themselves or for a friend or relative. This may be because of the way God has spoken to them in the service, or for illness, or some other problem or need.
Prayer chain
The prayer chain is an anonymous and confidential network of people who are willing to support daily in prayer, for a specified time, anyone in the congregation who wishes it who is ill or going through a time of stress or anxiety. The contact people are Jim and Sheila Collins. Telephone 01202 883802.
Counselling
Most of us are only too well aware that as Christians we are not immune to the stresses and pressures of being human, especially within our families and relationships. Christian marriage is under particular pressure at the present time. And living in a society whose values are often opposed to the biblical ones we try to live by brings problems at work as well as at home. Sometimes old difficulties surface. It's often helpful to talk and pray things through in a ‘safe' situation where the spiritual dimension can be taken into account. Contact Louise Magowan who will know who is best placed to help.
In addition to talking through the issues that arise in every marriage and family, we arrange marriage preparation for those in the congregation about to get married. Also we have regular events at St. John's with the purpose of enriching our marriages.