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Each November, True Vine focuses on family  issues.  Based on the example of Jesus Christ in His compassionate and caring presence to the sick and suffering. The Office of Pastoral Care ministers to the needs of our families in the following ways:

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• A team of volunteers conducts regular, systematic contact with True Vine families who are beset with serious illness. This includes hospital and nursing home visits by team members, in addition to and in close collaboration with the attention of our clergy. Often included are home visits and telephone contact during extended recuperation or chronic illness. Special attention is also offered to meet the needs of caregivers in such situations.

• Regular monthly meetings of the team provide training, mutual support, and updating of information and consultation with clergy about needs. The goal of this team’s work is to care for True Vine members by offering emotional support and practical assistance in times of incapacitation and suffering.

• Make contact with visitors, which may consist of making phone calls.

• Serve as the pastoral care liaison for our pastors and the Pastoral Care Departments in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

• Establish, enhance, and maintain lines of communication between the congregational needs and the pastors, especially for those in healthcare facilities.

• Provide assistance to congregants who are seeking to strengthen their pastoral responses and outreach to those within our various communities that are sick, residing in healthcare facilities, or homebound.

• Provide pastoral skills training workshops, days of spiritual enrichment, and/or retreats for the congregation.

• Provide consultation, information, and referrals in matters that pertain to the pastoral and ethical care of the congregation.