Pastoral Care 

At St Mark’s, we really value the extensive informal support which takes place behind the scenes on a day-to-day basis.

More formalized care takes many forms and is carried out within the church building, in people’s homes and in our local community. A team of lay and ordained people co-ordinate
and facilitate different aspects of this care which includes:

• Cards - Sent to mark significant life events including anniversaries, births, baptisms,deaths, life commitments, new homes, sickness, successes.

• Creative Craft Group - Meets in the church lounge on the first Saturday in themonth from 10.30 – 12. Bring an activity to do whilst you chat to others. Coffee and biscuits served.

• End of life and Bereavement support – Conversations about advance funeral planning or arranging a service following the death of a loved one, an annual service of thanksgiving and Remembrance for those who have died, opportunities to meet and reflect on your experience of bereavement with others.

• Home Communion and care home services and Communion for those within our parish who are sick, unable to get to church or living in care homes.

• Hospitality – preparing and serving refreshments / simple meals before or after services, short-term provision of meals for those recovering from illness or following the birth of a new baby.

• Inclusivity – We believe in an inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate. Please contact us for further details about accessibility, inclusivity or services to meet your needs.

• Online Worship and breakout group to meet others via Zoom – At 10 am each Sunday and midday on a Thursday. Other services as advertised.

• Prayer – As part of our intercession at services or privately during the daily offices. Prayers for people who are anxious, sick, in any kind of need or have died, as well as for the world and its needs are read aloud at the Thursday Eucharist and Sunday worship or meditated on in silence at daily prayer.

• Wednesday Lunch and friendship Club – an opportunity for members of our community who may be isolated or lonely to gather over a meal and enjoycompanionship and other activities. If you need transport, we may able to arrange for you to be picked up.

• Welcome teams – Small groups work together to welcome people to the church building, ensuring they can access the resources they require for worship, the facilities that maintain their comfort and prepare and serve refreshments.

How do I let you know I need help or I want to help?

Please contact:
Our operations co-ordinator - Zoë Varcoe via e-mail at office@stmarkssheffield.co.uk
Assistant Priest - Shan Rush on 07598 156817 or shan@stmarkssheffield.co.uk

If you need help
Shan or a relevant person will have a conversation with you to explore what your needs are and what we can offer. If we are unable to help, we will try to signpost you to alternative
organisations.

If you want to help:
Care-giving within St Mark’s is a voluntary activity and many simple acts of kindness are greatly appreciated and valued.

In order to ensure clergy and lay people at St Mark’s are following best practice, we have guidelines and policies that take into account the safeguarding of children and adults and
data protection. For some roles an Enhanced DBS check may be requested. Additional training may need to be undertaken and an induction period completed to ensure the safety of both the visitor and the person being visited.

Careful attention is given to confidentiality of both those seeking help and those offering it.

Listen to one another
It does not matter what form a crisis takes, one of the most valuable gifts we can offer each other is to listen.

”By listening, we embody the love of the sacred,
the love of the wider community,
the love of life itself.”
(Eileen R. Campbell-Reed)