“Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God” 1 John 4:7
The Emmanuel Bereavement and Pastoral Visiting Teams aim to provide support, rooted in the ministry of Jesus, to individuals facing challenges such as grief, illness, loneliness, or major life changes. We hope to help, where possible, the whole person through spiritual, emotional, and practical support – all on a strictly confidential basis.
Bereavement team
Emmanuel is a partner of Bereavement Care and we recognise that grief is deeply personal and losing someone you love can turn your world upside down.
We aim to use the training and resources from Bereavement Care in the light of our relationship with a God who is faithful and journeys through our pain with us to restore us.
We seek to gently walk beside those experiencing bereavement with prayer and time to listen when they are hurting in whatever stage of grief they are in, to enable them to feel God’s love and care.
Visiting Team
Emmanuel has a caring visiting team who aim to help and encourage anyone who is unwell or incapacitated, at home or in hospital. This includes serving Holy Communion to anyone who is housebound or in hospital; praying with and for individuals when appropriate; and offering practical support.
We aim to journey alongside those in need and also to be an encouragement in their relationship with Jesus.
Communion Services in local Residential Care Homes
We meet each month in four care homes within the parish to provide opportunities for communal times of prayer, encouragement and worship whilst sharing Holy Communion. We also spend time meeting residents individually. The care homes include Erskine Hall and Seymour House.
Other Sources of Help
Depending on your need, the Pastoral Team can also signpost to a number of external support groups and resources if you feel that further, more specialised support would be valuable.
Overall, we want to
Listen well – giving you space to share your needs safely
Pray faithfully – offering prayer which seeks the love and assistance of the Lord
Signpost when necessary – recognising the value and possible need of specialist ongoing help
If you are facing loss, worries or anxieties and need help, do not hesitate to contact Brian, our Assistant Pastor at brian.cox@ecn.org.uk.