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Funerals and Bereavement
Being a large parish, there are approximately 50 funerals a year.
The pre-funeral care is primarily that of the parish clergy, though lay
Pastoral Assistants are involved early on. However, their main role is in
follow-up and involvement with the families for as long as possible
afterwards.
Baptism Ministry
Using the new revised liturgy of the Church of England, lay Pastoral
Assistants visit families and prepare them for their children's baptism.
This can take place ideally within a main Sunday act of worship or during
the Baptism Service held ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 11.30AM.
Home Communions
For Church members unable to get to church, Holy Communion is taken to their homes
monthly by one of the parish clergy. We are always glad to hear of anyone wishing to be
visited in this way, and the clergy are also available for pastoral care and the ministry
of healing.
St. John's Churchyard
We are indeed very fortunate to have an 'open' churchyard for burials. It is a place of
tranquillity and peace which many parishioners enjoy. The churchyard is now well cared for
after having been neglected for many years and is regularly maintained by parishioners. We
hope to maintain a 'wild' area for the establishment of downland flora and fauna which
local children can call their own. There is also a war memorial which "was erected by
the people of Merrow in the memory of the men of the village, who in the Great War,
1914-1918, laid down their lives for their King and country, in the cause of justice and
humanity." (Inscription on the War Memorial.)
Pastoral Assistant Ministry
We have a large team of lay pastoral assistants several of which have completed the
Guildford diocesan training course. Our Pastoral Team have responsibility for general
pastoral care to those who avail themselves of the ministry of their parish churches. We
are trying to underline the value and virtue of Collaborative Ministry and so sharing our
gifts with the wider church.
Communion before Confirmation and
Confirmation Classes
In 1999 we prepared seven youngsters to receive Holy Communion
before Confirmation, they made their first communions on Pentecost Sunday.
We now have REGULAR CLASSES FOR children of age 7 and upwards. Please pray
for OUR YOUNG CHURCH MEMBERS and for the life of St. John's, that we may
encourage more of God's younger people to commit their lives to Him. For
more details contact the
Parish Office or
the
Rev'd. Diana Matthews. |
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