Annual report1

Family Carers
This ministry is very special.
We have matched those
whose families have grown up
and left home with those who
are still in the thick of it.
This past year has been one with less innovation and with a few members of
the Pastoral Care team experiencing ill health and bereavement. However the
faithful team continues to visit and have contact with their ‘regulars’ who are
generally older and/or unwell. There are individuals and families who have had
significant and acute needs throughout the year.
The Carers/ Young Families interaction has been very helpful and supportive
for some families in particular, though we are aware that some families feel
less supported than others. The main focus of support is on prayer needs – for
both the family and the carer.
We hope that in the coming year we will find more suitable older folk who will
take on the role of carers for our increasing number of young families.
Similarly, as those in the team experience their own needs we are looking to
grow our team in the coming year.
The purpose is very simple—
to pray and to care for the
family. It also gets the generations
mixing and encourages
our belief that it takes a village
to raise a child.
If you want to be part of this
very effective ministry, talk to
Lyn Stanley or contact the office
There are aspects of Pastoral Care where there is a need for larger groups of
volunteers … “Many hands…” currently the particular areas are to cook meals
for those in need, and to provide transport for the few individuals who need it.
Obviously the more in the team the less often people are called on. Please call
the church office if either of these areas are where you could be involved.
We are blessed to have a church family that looks out for each other.
Lyn Stanley
Our relaxed and informal breakfasts have continued this
year each month with some memorable, inspiring and
encouraging talks from our men. Aside from the chance
of a hearty blokes breakfast, these mornings remain a
chance to talk with and get to know each other in more
depth than the usual Sunday morning coffee conversation
and get to know how God has impacted our lives and
what he is doing in them now. Speakers are selected
from our own church, Boys and Men of all ages attend
and numbers vary from 15-40. Many thanks for those
who pick up the tongs and “chef-up” as the lack of a formal
structure in cooking the breakfast is part of its charm.
Mike Carter
12