What do we do?

The role of St. Mark’s Pastoral Care Team is to give support to our minister Rev. Dr. Sonia Blakesley in caring for the pastoral needs of our congregation. We do this in several ways:

Visits

Members of the congregation volunteer to visit the housebound and those in hospital / care homes. June Chapman co-ordinates this much appreciated service.

Flowers

Each Sunday the flowers that have been in our chancel go out to members of the congregation who are going through difficult times or celebrating a special occasion. The flowers are accompanied by a card (hand-made by Sheena Tonner), suitable for the occasion. The flower team consists of Isobel Higgins, Kate McLaughlin and June Chapman.

Car Run

Myra McKellar is responsible for organising the car run. Volunteer drivers bring to church those people who are still mobile but find walking any distance a problem.

Hospitality

Twice a year an afternoon tea is organised for those in the congregation who are over eighty, housebound or in care homes. The teas provide an opportunity to meet up with old friends, chat, share in worship and enjoy a sing-along.

The Haven

This is our friendly dementia cafe which meets on the third Thursday of every month. It is open to anyone in our congregation and community who suffers from dementia, along with their carers. It is held in our Church Cafe from 2pm to 4pm, where all enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake. The Haven is run by Eileen Wilkie and Elizabeth Macdonald, with the help of volunteers from the congregation.

Christmas Gifts

Each Christmas gifts and cards go out to members who are over eighty, housebound or in care homes. This vital part of pastoral care is organised by Alison Christie.

Who we are

How to contact us

We are always open to expanding the role of the Pastoral Care Team so, if you see a need that is not currently being covered and falls under this remit, please let us know. Equally if you have any need of these services or you know someone in the congregation who would benefit from them or if you feel you could help in any way, please contact anyone on the Pastoral Care Team or through the church office: contact us.