The Pastoral Care committee, chaired by Anne Farquharson, and the Parish Nurse, Nancy Gordon, work to supply individuals in the congregation with the help and support they need in special circumstances.

There are several ways that Pastoral care is carried out:

• The Visiting Team which keeps in touch with people who have difficulty getting out. This team has periodic workshops given by the coordinator or other guests, to help them strengthen their skills as visitors.
• Special Events-  teas and lunches to support groups within the congregation such as congregants who live in the same retirement home or people facing similar life challenges.
• Educational Events Educational Events sponsored by the Parish Nurse Committee (a sub-committee of Pastoral Care). For these events a speaker presents on a topic of interest, and everyone is invited to attend. Topics that have been covered in the recent past include: Alzheimer’s, dementia and care for the care givers; a mini-series on end-of-life issues – physicality of death, spirituality and death and grief, legal aspects, and preparing for your funeral.

People wishing to know more about the Pastoral Care Committee or who would like to give or receive pastoral care may contact the minister, Martha ter Kuile, or Anne Farquharson, committee chair at pastoralcarechair@bloorstreetunited.org. To reach our Parish Nurse, Nancy Gordon, please please leave a message on her confidential voicemail: 416-924-7439 Ext. 29, or send an email to nancy@bloorstreetunited.org.