Pastoral Care

What is Pastoral Care?

Pastoral Care is an In-Reach ministry of presence in coordination with our clergy and supporting committees to serve those parishioners who need help, companionship, or even a word of encouragement with the intention that no parishioner with special needs is being ignored. To be a volunteer in pastoral care goes to the very heart of being part of the Emmanuel family. You will become a member of a large, caring team that with great care assists the clergy with the ongoing needs of our parishioners.

In keeping with the Parish’s mission to “reflect the light of Christ from generation to generation,” the mission of the Pastoral Care Commission is to prayerfully develop and implement a coordinated program of pastoral care for the members of Emmanuel Church.

Brief History of Pastoral Care at Emmanuel

Mission of Pastoral Care at Emmanuel

The work of the Pastoral Care Commission began long ago with many of the current committees lovingly reaching out to our fellow parishioners. These committees have been formally organized now for thirteen years with the contributions of many dedicated and committed members of Emmanuel. We welcome all who may feel called to join us and share their gifts through these ministries.

Areas of Pastoral Care

  • Drivers are needed to deliver flowers, casseroles and prayer shawls. These drivers also visit with those who are receiving their deliveries.

  • The Transportation Ministry provides rides for parishioners who need assistance in getting to and/or from medical appointments and, occasionally, to church functions.

  • Pastoral Friends Connections meets periodically to review the status of our parishioners with long-term needs and who have been “connected” with a committed member of this special team.

    Ministry to these parishioners includes visits twice a month, telephone calls, cards, and interventions as needed.

  • The Baking Ministry meets as needed and prepares wonderful treats. This ministry supports Coffee Hour and special events with cookies, muffins and other delights.

  • The Caregiver ministry sends out cards to members who are homebound, sick, hospitalized, serving in the military, celebrating a birthday or need some encouragement. It is a simple act of kindness that brings a lot of joy to each recipient, and it is just one more way that Emmanuel shows how much it cares about each one of its members.

  • The Newcomer Program at Emmanuel identifies and welcomes newcomers, hosts special information sessions and assists with support to integrate newcomers into parish life.

  • The Casserole Ministry meets as needed to bake and freeze delicious casseroles and soups so that there is always a supply on hand. This indispensable ministry to the sick, homebound, and those who have just returned home from the hospital provides an entrée at a time when it is not always easy to cook a meal for oneself or family.

  • On Monday mornings, our office volunteer Pat Harwood sends out the weekly HOME TOUCH devotional and activity page to Emmanuel’s homebound.

  • At the request of clergy, a series of four books are periodically mailed to parishioners who have lost a loved one to help them cope with that loss.

  • The Knitting Guild ministry knits prayer shawls and lap robes for parishioners who are ill or hospitalized along with baptismal blankets. Over the years hundreds of prayer shawls, lap robes and baby blankets have been blessed and delivered. Far more than just another piece of knitting, these prayer shawls/blankets are a source of comfort for body and spirit. So, no matter what your knitting or crocheting skill level might be, there is a shawl that you can make, and you will be giving someone a loving, holy hug! Every shawl will be appreciated more than words can express. Recently the Knit Wits, as they are affectionately called, donated knitted goods to hurricane victims in Western North Carolina. The group meets the first Thursday of each month in the Guild Room. New members are welcome to attend.

  • We love our Office Volunteers! They work at the reception desk during regular office hours. Duties include answering the phone, making copies, stuffing envelopes, and greeting visitors. Various projects are also handled weekly by the volunteers as the need arises. Office hours for volunteers are Monday through Thursday - 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (1st Shift), and 12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m. (2nd shift), and on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Each three-hour shift brings new experiences and new friends as the workings of the church revolve around you and your office.

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If you are interested in getting involved in any of these areas of pastoral care at Emmanuel, or have a passion or suggestion for an additional area, please contact through clicking the button below.

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