Pastoral Care 

Lunch Club
WHO WE ARE

The Pastoral Care Group comprises eight members of the congregation who follow up requests for short term care and practical support for members of our church family. This care happens alongside the extensive informal support which takes place all the time between members of the congregation.

The group was formed in 2010 to enable appropriate and comprehensive pastoral care to be provided within the church and in its various outreach activities. The obvious area that comes to mind is visiting the sick, but in fact pastoral care is needed and provided in many more ways: for example, welcoming people into church, providing short-term support during family crises, support for parents with new-born babies, for baptism families, wedding couples, and those who have been bereaved; providing communion in the community ; providing lunches and support for older people and care for the carers.

Normally most of our work comes via the clergy, who are most likely to be aware of need, and this is the most effective route. The person to contact about any pastoral care issue is Claire Webber, our Parish Administrator on 0114 230 1199. She will pass on your request to a member of the Pastoral Care Group and we will contact you to discuss how we can help. In all our work careful attention is given to confidentiality and data protection. If you are wanting to speak to a priest, Claire will make the necessary arrangements.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Short term care
We have volunteers who will:
  • Cook and deliver meals over a short period e.g the arrival of a new baby, short-term illness, hospital stay.
  • Provide transport to/or visit hospitals
Ongoing care and support
  • The Wednesday Lunch Club meets in the Parish Centre and provides lunch for approximately 16 or more older people each week. All are welcome.
  • Transport to and from church services can be arranged.
  • Volunteers regularly take communion to people in the local community, either in their own homes or in the Care Homes.
  • We send out cards to celebrate the anniversaries of baptisms and weddings in the church.
  HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The Pastoral Care Group meets every four to six weeks to plan and review what we are doing. We emphasise that care-giving is voluntary and therefore ask volunteers for a commitment of no more than one year, to be followed by a review and opportunity to continue or not within the same or other role. We have annual suppers to thank our 46 volunteers and to review activities, challenges and relevant issues. There is an annual service of renewal and blessing for all members of the congregation who are involved in supporting others.

Please contact Claire Webber on 0114 230 1199 if you would like to receive or offer help.