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Pastoral Care |
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organization matters, her focus was family law and mediation. She calls this work “a ministry to people and families in need.” As time went on, she increasingly felt a need to move this “ministry” from the courtroom to the Meeting Room.
In 2003, Deborah graduated with honors from Andover Newton Theological School. She has been a member o the First Congregational Church in Essex for many years and was an Acting Associate Pastor/Music Director there during seminary, when that church was in an interim time. She has also served the Essex church as Chair of their Stewardship Committee and member of Church Council. In June-September 2004, she was the interim minister in West Stafford, Connecticut. She serves as a Connecticut Conference Consultant to congregations, providing conflict resolution and strategic planning services. After several years of education, varied ministry and training, Deborah is now ready to serve a congregation as full-time pastor. |
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The church family and clergy desire to meet your basic needs for pastoral care. Pastoral care is defined as ministerial support during the life changing events of birth, marriage, sickness, death and other transitions (such as moving into a new community). What follows are some general expectations and ways that the congregation and staff can support you. Distinguishing between pastoral care and pastoral counseling is important. Pastoral care is supportive in nature while pastoral counseling is more likely to be of a therapeutic nature. When your needs extend beyond pastoral care, parish clergy may recommend a referral to a pastoral counselor. WeddingsThe church staff wants to make each and every wedding a special occasion. The church provides pastoral services and space for weddings to both members and non-members. The financial expectations do vary according to membership status. We request that weddings be scheduled at least three months in advance. To begin the process, call or visit the church office and ask to complete a wedding form. The church office will have the most up-to-date information about fees and scheduling. Once the ministerial staff reviews the information and a deposit is secured, the wedding will be placed on the calendar. All couples to be married by the parish clergy are expected to participate in some premarital counseling. Following professional courtesy, the proper way of inviting non-staff ordained clergy to officiate at the church is to ask the current employed clergy to "extend an invitation" to the other. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Weddings for church members will always be accommodated. Requests for weddings involving non-members will be reviewed by church staff. It may not be possible to handle all requests due to staff limitations and schedule conflicts. Funerals and Memorial ServicesThe services of "Thanksgiving and Celebration" for those who have died are of the highest priority among the church's pastoral care. It is very helpful when the church office is called prior to any anticipated death. The clergy desires to be an active member of any situation-involving hospice. The funeral director may be the one to contact the church office in times of death involving families who do not have a relationship with the congregation. We will do our best to accommodate such requests. The possible number and style of “arrangements" has increased in our mobile and expanding interfaith and non-faith society. The clergy can be of assistance to the family in deciding what is appropriate in making those arrangements. We can keep on file the family name, contact information, and the preferred list of hymns and scriptures. This relieves the family of the deceased the burden and uncertainty of discerning the loved ones wishes. Hospital VisitsHospital visits are a priority. However, hospital stays have been reduced in length by our changing medical practices. We need everyone's help to keep the church office and clergy informed. Whenever possible the clergy will try to visit the day called or the next. Knowing in advance of scheduled hospital stays is very helpful. Visitations are made for both the happy occasions of giving birth and for the times of illness. Other Transitions and General Visitations:There are other situations where a home or office visit with individuals and families is appropriate. We welcome meeting and visiting with new residents of the greater Bloomfield area. General visitation is also conducted in the local retirement communities and nursing / rehabilitation centers. We keep a list of church members who are in need of periodic visits and special attention. If you feel inclusion on the list is appropriate for you or a family member, please call the church office. The church also has several lay people who are available for routine visits to the homebound. Please feel free to call and request a visit or make an appointment to see the clergy. |
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The First Congregational Church In Bloomfield Bloomfield, Connecticut United Church of Christ |
