Pastoral Care
 Introduction
We believe that God loves everybody and that He has particularly demonstrated this love through the life, teaching and death of Jesus Christ and His followers on earth.
God wishes to reach out to those who feel out of touch with him and to bring all into His heavenly family. Receiving forgiveness restores our relationship with God and brings us into a worldwide community of grace.
As His followers, we want to live out His sacrificial love in our daily lives, both as individuals and together, carrying each other’s burdens within the life of the local church and the community we serve.
However, there are times for all of us when friendly support is not quite enough and we need more help to cope with hard times in life. Bereavement, anxiety, loneliness, difficulties in relationships or family crises are some reasons why we may need the comfort of a listening ear. At such times, our Pastoral Team is available to come alongside, listen and pray for those who may be concerned about some aspect of their lives or the lives of those close to them.
Meetings can take place in your home or at a mutually convenient venue.
Pastoral Assistants
Our Pastoral Assistants are trained through a rigorous two year programme and have been authorised by the Bishop and Diocese of Guildford and the parish of St John Egham. Their training equips them for listening, visiting the sick and bereaved and supporting people in difficult situations.
They can be contacted by telephone directly or through the Church Office (01784 430964) or approached at church – they will wear badges when on duty.
Pastoral Assistants
Clergy and Lay Workers
The Clergy and lay workers can offer additional help:
Clergy
Lay Workers
Weekday Prayer Ministry
During the week, prayer requests are offered to God in St John’s Church. If you would like your needs to be mentioned, please complete a prayer request card which can be found at the back of church. Place the card in the offertory box by the sound desk.
Sunday Prayer Ministry
Each Sunday after the 9.15 and 11.0 a.m. services members of the prayer ministry team will be on hand. If you would like private prayer after the service, please come forward to the font where two members of the team will be ready to listen and pray briefly with you.
For Your Protection
All the Pastoral Team are subject to parish checks including the UK Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
Where specialist help is needed, referrals to appropriate agencies will be offered. Conversations with team members are confidential – sensitive information is only shared in general terms for training and supervisory purposes.
Exceptions to this would be if:
- English Law required disclosure through a Court Order
- It was considered that someone was at serious risk
- there was a child protection issue, in which case other church guidelines would be followed
If you, or anyone else known to you, is in severe emotional distress and cannot wait for an appointment, it may help to contact the Samaritans who offer 24 hour emotional support and can help you talk about how you are feeling. Their numbers are: 08457 909090 (textphone 08457 909192) or email by clicking here They can suggest other help lines for specific issues.
Child Line is a free telephone help line operating 24/7 for children to ring and speak to an advisor about any problem or difficulty they may be experiencing. Child Line can be contacted on 0800 1111
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