Pastoral Care

The purpose of this commission is the care, nurturing, and fellowship of our parish members and friends.  We call this process In-Reach, although parts of Pastoral Care share in the outreach of other ministries.

Pastoral Care Ministers offer a variety of ministries to St. Matthew parishioners:  

• Animals and Spirituality: Vestry member Nancy Reynolds provides this ministry at St. Matthew’s. The mission: “We will work to develop the relationship between people and their pets. As we are all God’s children, we share God’s love and God’s environment, this world. When we develop a loving relationship with a pet, we grow closer to God and to each other. Pets are good company, and excellent friends. We will explore the bond that develops with our pets. We try to understand that they are God’s children. We will try to help each other understand the behavior of our pets, and help us live with the loss of a friend.” – Nancy Reynolds. Grief support and providing referrals for needed animal services are major parts of this ministry. Yearly on or close to the Feast of St. Francis, we offer the Blessing of the Animals. We were able to do this in-person this year.
• Caring Casseroles, led by The Daughters of the King, provided meals for families needing assistance during illness or medical situations. The casseroles have been most appreciated by those in need. If you wish to help with this ministry, please call Susan Rennie. The Daughters of the King are always looking for additional caring casserole ministers.
• Prayer Chain Ministry: Susan Johnston continued as coordinator of this ministry. Those participating with Susan were Shirley Bookman, Nonie Reynolds and Shirley Rimmell. This key ministry is meaningful to those praying as well as those needing our prayers.
• Shoebox Knitting and Crocheting Group is a group of ladies who knit and crochet prayer shawls that are taken to the hospital or home to provide the warmth and caring from our parish. They also knit/crochet hats and scarves for the shoebox ministry. Dawn Stoner is the coordinator of this ministry, leading and helping those involved like Cathy Hunt, Helga Small, Karen Hatfield, Shirley Bookman, Robin Curnes, Sharon Gardlund, Tricia Loomis, Susan Rennie, Jodi Searby, and Carol Forshey.
• Yoga Ministry: Hatha Yoga, led by Libba Westin, meets two Tuesday afternoons monthly. Participants physically, mentally, and spiritually reap the positive benefits of this ancient discipline.

Contact information is available in your directory or can be received by calling the office at 298-9782 or by emailing us.