Parish Care & Support Ministries

Pastoral Care

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  - John 4:34-35

Caring for spiritual needs

The clergy and community of St. John’s Norwood offers care and support to members of our church and to our greater community through a variety of ministries.

Speaking to his own devoted band of followers in the intimacy of what amounted to a small family dinner on the eve of his death, Jesus was very clear: love one another, as I have loved you. Care for one another, as I have cared for you. Offer one another, with an open heart, the same kindness, compassion, presence, understanding and support I have given you—as siblings and beloved children in the family of God.

To request Pastoral Care

If you would like to receive help from our clergy or one of our Pastoral Care ministries, please reach out to a member of St. John's clergy—the Rev. Sari Ateek, Rector, or the Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon—via the Church Office:  301-654-7767.

St. John’s Clergy Pastoral Care

St. John’s Clergy Pastoral Care is available to all parishioners 24/7.  All interactions are strictly confidential.  

To reach a member of the clergy in an emergency, dial 301-654-7767 and select Option 1.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring communion and companionship to homebound parishioners.


Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers provide a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and confidential Christian caregiving in life’s challenging moments.

Healing Prayer Ministers

Healing Prayer Ministers are available in the Tower Lobby on Sundays during the 9:00 am and 11:15 am services (or 10:00 am during summer), immediately after Communion, to offer confidential and individual intercessory prayers.

Grief Support Group

A Grief Support Group is available for those who need it.  It currently meets once per week at St. John's Norwood.

New Parents Ministry

The New Parents’ Ministry celebrates our newest arrivals with a home visit, flowers, and soup after a baby’s birth.

Serving Seniors

Serving Seniors both engages our active seniors in service and fellowship activities and offers support as possible, including organizing occasional rides to church activities and connection to resources for other needs.

Cooking and Baking with Love

St. John’s Cooking and Baking with Love team can help provide occasional meals in times of need.

Prayer

Prayer is continually offered through our prayer lists, and St. John's staff prays for parishioners at weekly staff meetings.