Pastoral Care

St Martin's is a city centre church with very widely drawn congregations. As such, it may not always be possible to offer the same level of day-to-day pastoral care and support as could a local parish church. However, we do aim to do our best to offer helpful and appropriate pastoral care to all of our congregations, staff, visitors and clients of The Connection at St Martins. We recognise that people do not always know what is available so this leaflet summarises what we offer.

The best and most used resource is each other - friends and other members of the church. This is one of the most potent and useful sources of pastoral care and not to be overlooked!

The clergy team - after services (though we realise that, as many people can only be here on Sundays, there may be a bit of a queue) or at other times by arrangement. Please ring the parish office (020 7766 1100) to make an appointment.

The clergy mobile - for urgent situations outside usual hours. The clergy will not always be instantly available on this number (07760 426775) but we will respond as soon as possible to any messages left.

If you are ill - please let us know if you go into hospital so that we can be in touch with the hospital chaplain on your behalf. We may also be able to organise a visit from a member of the congregation or clergy team and add your name to the prayer list if you would like.

If you become housebound - there is a team of lay people who visit monthly with the sacrament (as long as you do not live too far away!)

The lay chaplains (skilled in listening from a specifically spiritual perspective) are normally available in church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10.30 -12.00.

Needs for longer term counselling or spiritual direction will usually be referred to others. The clergy are often able to help members of the congregation in finding suitable resources.

Confession - Ministry of Reconciliation. By arrangement with a member of the clergy team.