Pastoral Care

Parishioners contact those experiencing joys and sorrows and pass along the love and support of Christ Church.

Parishioners pray for and send care packages to deployed soldiers “in harm’s way.”

Trained parishioners provide weekly one-on-one spiritual companionship for those experiencing a crisis, loss, or life transition.

God wants us to care for others – and also to allow others to care for us in our times of need.

“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2

About Stephen Ministry

• Stephen Ministry trains lay people to use their spiritual gifts as Christian friends – to listen to, care and pray for, support and encourage others in times of grief or trouble. This ministry supplements the church’s clergy resources in listening to, praying for, and looking after those in need.
• Christ Church Stephen Ministers have completed 50 hours of formal training in Christian caregiving. Their initial training and ongoing continuing education cover specific topics such as divorce, hospitalization, bereavement and aging.
• Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of this program. Care receivers are people (either from our parish our outside of it) who have encountered life’s difficulties and pain. Care receivers meet with their Stephen Ministers on a regular, often weekly, basis and what is discussed is always kept in the strictest confidence. Trust is essential to a caring relationship and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust.

To Request a Stephen Minister

Your confidential inquiry about receiving the care of a Stephen Minister will be handled by our Referrals Coordinator and Stephen Ministry Leader Kelly Burkhardt, or our Christ Church clergy representative The Rev. Jenny Brown.

• Kelly Burkhardt – mimsburk@gmail.com
• The Rev. Jenny Brown – jbrown@ccral.org

To Become a Stephen Minister

To learn more about the process of training for the program, talk to one of our other Stephen Leaders.

• Tom Boyle – boyle7139@bellsouth.net
• Cece Scott – cecescott@mac.com

Parishioners knit and crochet shawls which represent the love of God and the Church, and they are blessed by the clergy and delivered to those in need of comfort.

Parishioners deliver casseroles as needed and deliver a book to all new babies.

Parishioners are visited in healthcare facilities by fellow parishioners who bring compassion and concern.

Trained parishioners assist the clergy in healing prayers.

A series of classes to help parishioners following a loss as a reminder we are never alone in grief.

ECW provides light food for receptions in the Commons or Courtyard following funeral services held at Christ Church.

Trained parishioners visit at least once per month and develop one-on-one relationships with those who are homebound or who express a desire for a new friendship.

Each Sunday, flowers are delivered to parishioners in need or in honor of special occasions.

Parishioners take communion to the homebound or hospitalized “because we who are many are one body in Christ, we share one bread, one cup.”

An order for women who pray daily for people whose names come from the clergy, pew cards, e-mails and word of mouth.

At Christ Church, each of us is a member of a caring community. The Pastoral Care ministries, with more than 200 volunteers, reach out with God’s love to fellow parishioners experiencing trials, troubles and even just ordinary life to promote and facilitate a community in which the joys and sorrows of life are honored and consecrated.

Use this link to view a list of our Pastoral Care Ministries. If you’d like to learn more about getting involved, contact Sarah Hardesty.