Pastoral care is a primary ministry of Village Church, and takes many different forms.  The various components include all the pastors on staff, the Caring Connection coordinators (Roxy Leeson and Nancy Calderwood), the Board of Deacons, and members of the church who provide practical assistance and care for those in need.  All these ministries are coordinated by Rev. Kathy Musser, Associate Pastor.

Pastoral Care with Clergy

All of our pastors are available to talk with you confidentially about any concerns you would bring, or when a loved one is ill or has died, or whenever a visit at home or hospital would be welcomed.  We are able to offer spiritual guidance as well as referrals for counseling, crisis intervention and other support groups to be of help to you.

You may feel free to contact any of our pastors in person, by emailing (click on a name below), or by phone at 781-235-1988 and entering the pastor's extension:

Rev. Martin Copenhaver, x12
Rev. Kathy Musser, x14
Rev. Pam Emslie, x15
Rev. Chris Braudaway-Bauman, x20
Rev. Daniel Cooperrider (Pastoral Resident), x23
Rev. Jocelyn Gardner Spencer (Pastoral Resident), x25

 

Pastoral Care With Each Other

Pastoral care is NOT just the work of the pastors, but is most effective and responsive as the ministry of members to and with each other.  It is the essence of “bonding together in community,” that hallmark of the church that helps to ground us in the mission of Christ.

By its very nature, pastoral care is a quiet ministry, offered and received one to one.  It is based not so much on its high visibility as on the qualities of caring and compassionate listening, and tangible and practical support.  But the fruits of this ministry are abundant; a faith community that cares for each other, that help people “find” each other, so that none of us is alone, whether in sickness or sorrow, celebration, or the rites of passage that are a part of our spiritual lives.

You may find out more about these specific ministries at Village Church by clicking on “Pastoral Care Opportunities” at the bar on the left.

For more information about the following pastoral care ministries, contact Kathy Musser at kathy@wellesleyvillagechurch.org or 781.235.1988, x14.

Board of Deacons
The Deacons provide pastoral care for the church by delivering Sunday morning worship chancel flowers, making home communion visits, and distributing Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias.

Caring Connection 
The Caring Connection provides support to church members by cooking and delivering meals, providing transportation and running simple errands, and follow-up visits during times of need or celebration.

Caring for Elders
This group meets monthly for mutual support and sharing resources that may be helpful in caring for our aging parents, whether they are close by or at a distance.

Early Morning Prayer 
This group meets each Tuesday from 8-8:30 am for a time of Scripture and song, silence and intercessory prayer.  Come each week, or whenever you are able.

Funeral & Memorial Service Hosts
Hosts provide a ministry of hospitality at receptions following funeral and memorial services at the church—making and serving coffee and clean-up after the reception.

Healing Services
Healing services are held monthly in Burtt Chapel. This is a simple informal service with healing prayers, song and a laying on of hands for those who wish. Come for yourself, or for the healing of our world community, or for the earth. There is no reason too great or too small that is not important in the eyes of God.

Health & Healing Ministry
This new ministry seeks to promote health and the healing process within the congregation and community through faith empowerment, education and support. Already in progress are educational offerings and participation in monthly Sunday evening healing services.

Hymns on Wheels
Hymns on Wheels travels with a group of 4-6 singers to persons unable, through sickness or disability, to attend worship services, bringing the joy and community of hymn singing to them. Open to anyone who likes to sing.

Knitting & Sewing Ministry
This group meets every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 1 pm to knit prayer shawls and baptismal blankets and sew for local charities. All are welcome. Bring a sandwich.

North Hill Worship
A service of worship and communion shared with members of Village Church, and other area churches who are residents at North Hill. Clergy from each church share leadership. Services are the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 am in the Auditorium at North Hill.