At St John’s Church we are committed to being a Christian community in which every person knows that they are loved, visitors are welcome and young and old alike are valued and feel safe. The pastoral care that we offer is an active proclamation of this commitment and echoes our church mission statement to “Love God, Love one another and Love our community”.
Our Pastoral Team
Our team of Pastoral Assistants work alongside our Vicar Esther Prior, the clergy, life group leaders and others in the community ensuring this important ministry work is fulfilled. Our Safeguarding Officer is Lorna Jamison, the Pastoral Team Leader is Philomena Evans and our Pastoral Assistants are –
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How Pastoral Care Works?
Our Pastoral Assistants are trained by the Diocese of Guildford, have DBS clearance and receive regular safeguard training. They are available in times of stress, loss and illness and will come alongside those in need, listening with a prayerful heart while offering encouragement, comfort and support. This can be through –
- Pastoral Visits – Pastoral Assistants are available for home visits and during this time they will listen and can pray with you. If further support or professional expertise is required further details of counsellors and outside agencies can be provided. For those who have been bereaved or are suffering with the loss of a loved one, we can arrange Bereavement Support, and for those who require financial help we can make referrals to Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Foodbank, and Besom
- Holy Communion At Home – Holy Communion can be brought to those who are housebound and unable to attend a church service. Holy Communion and visits can also be arranged for anyone staying in hospital through the Hospital Chaplaincy team.
- Hope Café – A Pastoral Assistant is available at the Hope Café which takes place in the Easter Centre every Wednesday, term-time only, from 11.30am-1.30pm
- Prayer Ministry A member of the prayer ministry team is available for prayer after each Sunday service. Prayer can also be extended and followed up by the Pastoral Team if required.
Other help and support is also available so if you require any further information about our Pastoral Care, or you would like to speak to a member of the team, please contact Philomena Evans or the Church Office
For Further Information and Support
- NHS Direct – 0845 4647 – 24 hour access to healthcare and advice provided by the NHS. https://www.england.nhs.uk/
- Samaritans – 08457 909 090 -24 hour service offering confidential emotional support for people in distress. https://www.samaritans.org/
- Childline – 0800 1111 This free helpline is for anyone under 19 years old to discuss any issue, big or small and can be contacted 24/7. https://www.childline.org.uk/
- MIND – 0845 766 01 63 – Charity supporting people experiencing mental health problems and offering advice to sufferers, carers and professionals. www.mind.org.uk
- Mind Matters – Free & confidential talking therapies in Surrey-https://www.mindmattersnhs.co.uk/
- Crisis Mental Health 0800 9154644 or SMS Text 07717 989024 -In times of distress you can call the helpline which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls are free of charge. https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/
- Alzheimer’s Society – 0845 300 03 36 Charity offering care, support and information to sufferers of dementia related illness www.alzheimers.org.uk
St Johns also offers a variety of events for anyone who has been bereaved. Click here for more information.