St.
John's is a small pastoral church that is making the transition from a
pastor-centred ministry to small groups that pastor individuals as part
of their life in the community. Many of the people who are a part of
St. John's have not had easy lives. We know what tough times are
because some of us have had to deal with poverty, concerns of
addiction, and mental health. We are a community that is healing. We
also laugh an awful lot because that is part of being redeemed.
There are four different ways that St. John's is involved in pastoral care:
- Small groups
- many of our small groups have a social and prayer
life that enriches the lives of
members of this community - there is a strong acknowledgement that all
of us are in process and
our daily lives are strongest when we are in a community that listens
and cares about us. It is a
good thing to get outside of ourselves and beyond the life of
television and rediscover friends.
- Individual counseling
is available at St. John's. The principle counsellor is The Reverend Gary Hamblin. Gary will meet with people who have specific spiritual/personal needs to listen to their story and provide guidance, as he is able. Sometimes just listening with understanding will suffice; and, with others, a suggestion of an appropriate resource which may help, is required.
- Institutional care - St. John's is involved in visiting individuals in 7
institutions on the north Shore.
We have a team called the Seniors Ministry Team who schedule
visits, and also deliver
communion, to individuals who are shut-in. The clergy and laity of the
parish participate in worship
services in these facilities. We also participate in the on-call
pastoral ministry at Lions Gate Hospital.
- Support - St. John's is down-town parish that has
many transient people. Thirty to forty times a year we
support individuals who are only in the community for days or weeks.
Sometimes there are individuals
who participate fully in our community and others only require a day or
two of work to get on their
feet. Whoever these individuals are, we welcome them into the community
for their short stay.
