2010 PASTORAL CARE REPORT

Caring Connection
Caring Connection helps keep parishioners who are now unable to come to services remain connected to the Church.  There are 3 people making the visits at this time, and the visits vary according to the needs of each person.  Sometimes the sermon is taken and played to them and others times it may be just for a visit and a chat or just to listen and give them a hug.

These personal contacts are really appreciated by the people we visit and it makes them feel they are still part of our Church family.

Respectfully submitted,
Helen Davison

Home Communions
Members of Holy Trinity who find themselves unable to come to church can still receive Holy Communion.  Several lay administrators take the Eucharist to a number of people who are either in their own home or perhaps a care home.  Yesterday, when I took communion to a parishioner, we talked briefly about what “in-home communion” is all about.  We spoke of the feelings of isolation one has when kept from the traditions that have been such an important part of life.  “Oh, it means a great deal to me”, she said.  “It helps me stay connected to the church.”  I find the home Eucharist service to be very moving….while briefer than the prayer book service, it is no less meaningful, especially as it offers the opportunity to pray for the individual’s needs and to give thanks for the time together.

As with many forms of ministry, the experience enriches both people involved.  I am truly grateful to be a part of this and for the wonderful, patient, loving people with whom I share this service.

Respectfully submitted,
Louise Finlayson.

Residences and Care Facilities
We continue to offer Holy Communion to the residents of the Peninsula Resort and Westminster House on a monthly basis, sharing this privilege with the clergy of St. Mark’s in Ocean Park.  This is done in the context of a traditional Anglican liturgy, always with a homily and occasionally augmented with music and hymns.

We are also open to the possibility of holding similar services in other local facilities if there are sufficient numbers of our parishioners.

Janice Lowell, with the enthusiastic support of one of the residents, organized a carol service at the Pacific Carlton in December.  Large numbers of residents attended.

Respectfully submitted,
Neil Gray

Weatherby Pavilion
At 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month (except July and August), my wife Sharon Douglas, Ed Owens, Mollie Hedley, Kathleen Fricker and myself are privileged to share worship together with Freda Fennell and Stan Fricker from this congregation, along with approximately 15 - 20 of their fellow residents of Weatherby Pavilion at Peace Arch Hospital.  The service lasts for approximately half an hour, and follows the order of Prayers at Mid-day, interspersed with Songs of Praise sung to the piano accompaniment provided by Sharon.  (Sincere thanks to Valerie Kennedy and Peter Cass who, on short notice, filled in at the keyboard in Sharon’s absence).

On festive occasions we are joined by one of the clergy in the celebration of Holy Communion. At our December service, Ülo Valdma and some members of the choir helped us celebrate the joy of the Christmas message with the residents.   It is always a pleasure to speak with the residents, who are always appreciative of our visits, and especially the prelude and postlude selections played by Sharon.  Choir member Ed Owens provides invaluable assistance both with his voice and in looking after retrieving the residents from the second floor, and returning them to their rooms after the service.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to join in this rewarding experience as we visit together and celebrate the Good News with these dear folk, while fulfilling our mandate to reach out to the community in sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Respectfully submitted,
Hugh Griffith