Pastoral Link Group

PASTORAL LINK GROUP

This is a small group under the chairmanship of the Reverend Warwick Heathcote, which usually meets every two months to consider matters of pastoral concern to the parish.

The baptismal group at Holy Trinity helps befriend baptismal families and accompanies them to the baptism service, perhaps visiting if necessary.

Home Visits. It would be helpful to have a list of those willing to visit who would like a home visit between their monthly communion visits from the clergy.

The Missing. Everyone is asked to notice if a regular worshipper is missing from their place and, if people expect to be away or going into hospital, to let someone know if possible.

Visitors. We are all asked to be aware of any visitors to our Churches so they can be welcomed and introduced to others.

Lifts to Church. Some people from Paternoster occasionally wish to be pushed to Church. Others have a rota organised.

Healing Service. This takes place on the third Wednesday of every month and is usually attended by seven or eight people.

Volunteer badges. These are useful, so others know what the volunteer’s role is.

Socials. These are very popular and well attended, and a good way for people to get to know each other better.
Thanksgiving Service for Volunteers. This was held in the Autumn and was well attended. It underlined the importance of every volunteer in the life of the three churches. Theresa Davies

BEREAVEMENT GROUP

This is a small group of six or seven people which meets from time to time, as required, under the Chairmanship of Rev. Warwick Heathcote. The object is for members to be available to visit recently bereaved people, when the clergy are no longer able to do this, as they have ton deal with the new funerals which require their attention.

If the member of the clergy who took the funeral thinks it appropriate, the widow/widower are offered a visit by a member of the group. It is, however, entirely up to the person involved whether they take up the offer and there is no pressure whatsoever. Many people have families who are local and who give much support. There are also various counselling charities and hospices who help.

Some of those in Nursing Homes lose their friends and can be glad of a visit at that time. Naomi Swinson has worked for the Hospices at Home group, who visit people dying in their homes. This requires a sensitive approach to each situation – when to speak, when to be silent etc. It is also important that carers have someone coming in from outside to talk to, as they can feel very isolated.

The Bereavement service in the autumn is well attended and many people find it a great help in their grieving process. Families of those whose funerals have taken place in the last year are all invited and the names read out during the service, while relatives light candles in memory of their loved ones.

Rev. Warwick would consult with other clergy to see if any who received communion monthly at home would like an ordinary visit from a member of the group, ion the time in between Clergy visits.  Teresa Davies