My review of the last few months is just a tiny snapshot of my part in the wonderful pastoral care that is given inside the church and outside. So many people are quietly involved in helping and ministering to those in need in so many differing ways. Bless you all.
I would like to thank all those who generously and willingly provide meals to those in our congregation who are unwell or incapacitated after an operation, as I have been during the last few weeks. Thank you so much – a beautifully cooked meal that arrives ready to eat is a real highlight in the day when you feel a bit low.
Now to my involvement … time seems to fly by and here we are heading towards midsummer! It has been an active time for everyone since I last wrote. Easter was a very busy time pastorally as each of our elderly, homebound parishioners too need to experience the journey to the Cross, to join in communion with all of us at St Saviour’s, and to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and ascension. So I make sure they too join in a full Easter service and receive Holy Communion, just as if they were in church.
Similarly, our involvement and ministry at the Nurses’ Home continues and everyone is invited to an Easter Celebration Service, this year lead by Andy, as I couldn’t be there. I am sure he enjoyed the excellent simnel cake and refreshments that follow the service! We hope the Easter message of salvation, joy and hope in eternal life thus reaches a wider group than our faithful worshippers at the twice monthly services. Now we have passed Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, these will be the focus of this month’s service so that no-one misses celebrating our major festivals. I and the residents of the Nurses’ Home welcome everyone to our services on the third Sunday of each month, usually at 3.30pm. They really enjoy the link it brings to St Saviour’s.
Pastoral care is such an important part of our ministry and witness to the whole of the community as it is a way of spreading the love of God in an individual way. We also follow our Lord’s commandment to ‘Love our neighbours as ourselves’. Through serving others, our personal faith grows and is enriched by the Spirit as well as bringing joy to those we serve. May God’s blessings surround you.
Ethney Ellwood
