Pastoral Care


Pastoral care encompasses the many ways in which both clergy and parishioners care for one another within our St. John's Worthington community.  This includes visiting or reaching out to those who are hospitalized or home bound; fostering connections with those who are unable to attend services in person; taking communion to those who request it; and providing the services below as needed or requested.

Facing Loss

Facing Loss is a support ministry for those experiencing many types of loss, dedicated caregivers, and those who compassionately support them. We are Episcopalian (St. John’s, SJE), Presbyterian (Worthington Presbyterian, WPC) and unaffiliated, sharing and caring for each other. We gather on the third Monday of the month except December at 1:00 pm, rotating between the atrium at St. John’s and the Living Room at Worthington Presbyterian Church. Programs encompass all facets of need from grief counseling to estate planning. We use scripture, poetry, music, meditation, yoga, clergy and personal reflection.
 
We host a casual fellowship luncheon on every fourth Monday at the Worthington La Chatelaine. We reserve their back room, and no reservations are needed. We are available for one-on-one conversation or lunch. We also sponsor a lay-led All Souls Day Service in the SJE nave, honoring by name all these we have lost, and support the Blue Christmas led by clergy in the WPC Chapel or the SJE nave. 

MORE INFORMATION

Intercessory Prayer

St. John’s Intercessory Prayer Group prays daily for others and the situations in which they, their loved ones, friends, co-workers, etc., may find themselves. All prayer requests are completely confidential, and in especially sensitive situations, requests can be made using a pseudonym. If you or someone you love or know needs prayer support, please click the link below.

PRAYER REQUEST

Sacred Stitches

Sacred Stitches, also known as the Prayer Shawl Ministry, is an active group of members who knit and crochet blankets and shawls both at monthly meetings and at home. Newly made shawls and lap robes are donated and blessed by Gia or David monthly, with shawls given to those who are ill, bereaved, baptized, or simply a need to be encircled with warmth and a blessing. Sacred Stitches also contributes winter scarves to the children whose families receive support from our holiday "Giving Tree," as well as additional organizations supporting those in need. Anyone who would like to join us in the projects of this ministry is welcome! Persons wishing to obtain a shawl should speak to a member of the Pastoral Care Committee or contact the church office.

MORE INFORMATION

Card Ministry

In times of both joy and sorrow, our Pastoral Care team reaches out with personal cards, meaningful words, and prayers for the days ahead.  If you would like to volunteer to write cards or know of a parishioner in need of one, please contact us.

MORE INFORMATION

Soup for the Soul

This supportive ministry began in 2021 with the enthusiasm of 12 very talented soup makers.  Our mission is: “In the spirit of love, we provide contact, compassion, and pastoral care in the form of soup for a short term, to those whose lives have been interrupted by illness, loss or tragedy.  By reaching out to those whose lives have been impacted by dreadful events, we extend and grow the community of St. John’s through God’s love working within us.”
 
The recipients of our meals are most appreciative of the personal contact as well as the loving food we provide.  If you have been told that you make a wonderful soup, we would welcome you to our group.

MORE INFORMATION