Pastoral care goes beyond asking “How are you?”   It means displaying the profound love God has for every person by visiting, listening, and comforting anyone under duress.  Several opportunities to participate in pastoral care ministries exist at Good Shepherd.

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Episcopal Church Women Prayer Quilt Ministry
The Episcopal Church Women offer Prayer Quilts to those in need of supportive prayer for any reason.  The quilts are brought to church before completion so that parishioners may raise up a prayer while tying a knot, signifying that the prayer has been lifted up to God.  For more information, contact Mary Hughes at (951) 223-3793.

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Eucharistic Visitors
Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed to take the consecrated bread and wine from a Sunday service out to someone who is unable to get to church.  This invaluable ministry extends the table to those who would be present if they could.  This ministry requires complete fidelity in following the practices taught to assure that the visit is experienced as an outreach from the whole community.  For more information, contact John Bacher at (951) 925-3752.

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Flower Delivery
A team of ministers takes turns performing this valuable service.  On Monday mornings, a flower minister removes the flowers that adorned the worship space on Sunday, places them in temporary receptacles and delivers them to someone who is unable to come to worship.  This ministry requires no special training and brings great joy to many whom it serves.  For more information, contact Virginia Brien at (951) 925-0219.

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Friends With Songs
This is an informal ministry for those who love to sing and share the gift of music with folks who cannot get to church.  Sue Gentry leads the ministry during her winter months in Hemet.  In the summer, contact Vicki Steele at (951) 970-9854.

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Order of St. Luke
The Order of St. Luke is a healing ministry offering full training and opportunities to visit those in need of prayer.  Training is offered periodically.  For more information contact Art Conn at (951) 306-5478.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel, next to the parish office.  Members crochet or knit shawls to be gifted as a source of comfort to anyone facing a challenge, health or otherwise.  Often the gifting occurs in connection with a visit from Order of St. Luke ministers offering healing prayer.  Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, nurturing God.  New and returning shawl makers are always welcome.  For more information, contact Gail Redmond at (951) 452-9805.