Pastoral Care

Pastoral care in our congregation is structured around groups of around 8-15 people attached to an Elder. Each Elder looks after their group through regular personal contact and/or the organising of social gatherings. In times of difficulty or illness, this contact usually intensifies, or is referred through to a member of the Pastoral Visitors Group, or one of the Ministers.

The Pastoral Visitors Group (led by Marcelle Maisey) is a group of committed members who make regular visits to frail and aged members, or people recovering from medical procedures or ailments who need more than the regular attention an elder can give.

Our congregation has a dedicated Pastoral Care Assistant (Ms Luise Westwood, Email: luisewestwood@hotmail.com) for anyone who needs professional clergy support or assistance. Jenny has special interest and training in pastoral care for the elderly. Our Minister (Rev. Anneke Oppewal, Phone: 0437 298 454; Email: minister@nbuc.org.au) is also available for pastoral care. She has particular interest and experience in spiritual direction, prayer and healing ministry. People may be referred to the Ministers by Elders, members of the Pastoral Visitors Group, members of the congregation or contact the Minister directly when there is need.

The communication between members in case of funerals or other important pastoral events in the life of the congregation is organised through a “telephone, SMS and email tree”, which makes it possible to inform the whole congregation within 24 hours of such an event.

It is possible to ask for prayer, light a candle or have a candle lit at Sunday morning worship or through the week.

All pastoral care is supported and under the oversight of the two ministers, Elders Committee and Church Council (Chair of Elders: Penny Crozier; Chair of Church Council: Bob Tainsh).