2009 PASTORAL CARE REPORT

Caring Connection
There are now five of us who are helping to keep connected to the Church those who can no longer get there. They are very grateful for it, especially those who are bedridden and get lonely. We visit as often as we think it is needed, more frequently when the person is feeling poorly. I, myself visit a bedridden lady in a care home, so I drive there once a week. I find that it is very much appreciated when I take her the Gospel readings and sermons on an MP3 player with a speaker. It almost makes her feel in church. I get the sermons off the Internet. We can then discuss the sermons and it leads into other talk.

Respectfully submitted,
Vera Cunliffe

Home Communions
On a regular, or semi-regular basis, over 20 parishioners who no longer can come to Holy Trinity receive Holy Communion at home. Although several of our recipients have lost some of their vision, they are usually able to participate in the familiar service which, while abbreviated, is very meaningful. The service is very personal as it includes opportunity to pray for the individual’s needs and to give thanks for the time together.

One of our communicants explains what it means to her - “Having communion means a lot to me. It makes the church a part of my life…….my living room becomes the church. And the prayers for me and for my family are so special. The service is much more than words”.
To use an overworked adjective in a literal way…….it is truly an “awesome” and humbling experience for those who carry this ministry from the sanctity of the church to the intimacy of the home.
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Finlayson.

Residences and Care Facilities
This is one area of our ministry which has suffered significantly from the reduction in “priest-power”, from a 3/4 time to a 1/3 time assistant. We continue to take Holy Communion to the residents at the Peninsula and Westminster House, sharing the responsibility with St. Marks, as they have a number of parishioners in these places also.

We no longer have shut-in parishioners at either Christina Place or Peace Portal Lodge and so a decision was made to discontinue providing services there. If a need arises and additional clergy support is possible we can always resume them.

There are two residences where it might be desirable to hold an Anglican service - Crescent Gardens and the new facility at Rosemary Heights. We have increasing numbers of parishioners at both and it would be a great help in providing for their spiritual care.

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. On festive occasions we are joined by one of the clergy in the celebration of Holy Communion. In seeking their prayer requests, 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 (now only) the 2nd 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.

Respectfully submitted,
Hugh Griffith