Pastoral Care - March 18th, 2020

PASTORAL CARE
Psalm 46 - God is our Refuge and Strength...

Hello Members,

In light of increasing recommendations to limit contact and practice social distancing, hospital and nursing home closures to most visitation (see the latest update from Shalom), and the fact that many of the members I visit with are highly vulnerable to COVID-19, I thought it would be a good idea to touch base about my role of providing Pastoral Care.

This pandemic has created a new situation for Pastoral Care at Mountainview. Church Staff and Leaders are looking at creative ways to continue to "be community together" and "to be a presence of calm and love within our extended community at this time" in ways that meet everyone's needs.

I am also looking for new ways to support those who need it in our congregation throughout the above challenges.

So I'd like to provide my cell number:  289-260-0568

If you are needing prayer, looking to talk or connect with someone or needing counsel, I am still here and I'm happy to connect. Regardless of our physical restrictions, I want to remind each of you that "You are not alone. We are thinking about you and we are praying for you."

Loneliness and depression can exacerbate existing illnesses and isolation can create loneliness. Christians rely on the church for community. Let's stay connected where we can and be that community for each other.

I leave you with this confessional reminder and assurance:

What is your only hope in life and death:
That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,
to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

In Christ,
Pastor Fred VanderBerg