"Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me" (Matthew 25)
Our call is to care for one another in our journey through this life: to walk with one another not only through joy and celebration but most especially through crisis and loss. At Trinity, pastoral care is a foundational ministry in our life together. We care for one another through a team approach involving pastors, staff, lay leaders, and even the broader congregation.
There are six basic categories of issues which invite a pastoral care response:
Crisis Care
Urgent issues such as impending death or death, accidents, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, emergency hospitalizations, and special requests require an immediate response of the pastors. The pastors are available 24/7 to respond to these calls and can be contacted via our emergency pastoral care number on the general voicemail of Trinity - Lynnwood and Pointe of Grace.
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral support is available via appointments with the pastors for spiritual counseling issues such as baptism and pre-marital counseling as well as spiritual direction.
Stephen Ministers
Life transitions can be challenging for all of us, and Stephen Ministers are lay leaders who have received 50 hours of accredited training to help walk with individuals through these changes. Stephen Ministers offer one-on-one conversation and support to individuals. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love with you can be helpful through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Communion can be celebrated by our Stephen Ministers.
Pastoral Care Ministers
The journey through long-term illness can be a difficult one and our Pastoral Care Ministers are available to serve people with chronic and progressive illnesses. Our Pastoral Care Ministers have been trained as Stephen Ministers and have also received 400 hours of additional Clinical Pastoral Education training through Swedish Medical Center to serve as the equivalent of hospital chaplains. In addition to long-term illnesses, our Pastoral Care Ministers also follow-up with the prayer requests of our faith community as well as home-bound visitations. Communion can be celebrated by our Pastoral Care Ministers.
Eucharistic Ministers
Illness and disabilities can restrict an individual's ability to attend worship services at which Communion is celebrated. Our Eucharistic ministers are available to visit people on a regular basis to serve communion and assure the homebound that they remain a vital member of the Body of Christ.
Older Adult Ministry
A group has been formed exploring what an Older Adult Ministry might look like at Trinity. Some early ideas include ministry by, with, and for “older” adults – from about 55 years to 105. If you are interested, please email Bee Jay Mar. Email for details and background info.
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"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 10:27