Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Ministries

The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin Anthony, Associate Rector

Pastoral care takes many forms. At the heart of it is a direct interaction between people, often the one-on-one interaction between individuals. This interpersonal interaction creates the space where pastoral care is needed and delivered. The threat of COVID-19 and the protocols adopted to slow its spread continue to negatively impact the interpersonal interactions critical to pastoral care. But the wide availability of effective COVID vaccines and the durable faith of Trinity parishioners has sustained and developed life-sustaining forms of pastoral care. Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) The Guild of the Holy Cross is a long standing ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church. A Lay Eucharistic Visitor or “LEV” is a person licensed by the bishop, upon the recommendation of the Rector, and approval of the Vestry to take the consecrated elements, the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity are unable to be present at the Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday or other Principal Celebrations. LEVs also assist with other activities. Listed below are ministry highlights: • Made 41 Private Home Communion visits with 50+ people receiving communion. • Supported 9 Eucharistic celebrations offered onsite to the residents at Marquette Manor and Robin Run with 80+ people receiving communion. • Karen E. King (co-leader), Scott Whitaker (co-leader), Mary

Chalmers, Brocky Brown, Carol DeCoursey, Ross McKenna,

James Cramer. Holy Eucharist at Robin Run Village and Marquette Manor In August and September Trinity began a ministry of onsite celebrations of Holy Eucharist at Robin Run Village (the 2nd Wednesday of every month) and Marquette Manor (the 4th Thursday of every month). Missy Roetter has been the linchpin to the organization of this ministry, working closely with the community activities directors at both facilities to establish a schedule of regular celebrations of the Eucharist for Trinity’s members who reside at these two communities. These onsite, in-person gatherings have been deeply joyful moments of sacramental refreshment, prayer, and fellowship. Through these gatherings we have sustained our connection with longtime Trinity members in these residential communities: Neil and Angie Wylde, Sally Morton, Becky and Larry Peyton, Dottie Tolhurst, Mary Beaty, Elizabeth Perkins, Fay Almas, to name a few. Pastoral care was also delivered to our members during 2021 through the delivery of material tokens of care and affection. The Parish Life Committee’s delivery of Poinsettias and an Advent care package was a tangible expression of prayer and love for the members of our community whose age makes them especially vulnerable to the threat of COVID-19. Meal trains were organized for those moving through seasons of grief, new life, and medical hardship. You are invited to request this service should you face a life situation that can be made more bearable with the delivery of provided meals. If you have a need for meal support, or know someone who might, please contact the office or email Father Ben (banthony@trinitychurchindy.org) with details so we can set that up for you. Small groups that continued to meet through Zoom and in-person when COVID numbers and the prevailing protocols permitted it, were critical sites of pastoral care. Groups such as the Monday Bible Study, the Rector’s Study Group on Tuesdays, the Trinity Caregivers group on the third Thursday of each month, the twice-monthly Men’s Group have all continued to meet on Zoom and in-person. The most important precursor to and benefit of the delivery of pastoral care is a relationship and these small groups and Eucharistic ministries enable the formation of relationships and durable bonds of affection.

Patty Gotway, Trinity Comforters Coordinator

Trinity Knitters have not met during 2021. We hope to resume social meetings when safe. We have encouraged individuals to knit items for our newest refugee family and several have suppled hats and scarves for them. We still have yarn available for anyone wishing to make items for donation. We can always find homes for hats and scarves and small baby blankets.

Trinity Caregivers’ Support Group

Peter Sehlinger, Chair

The Trinity Caregivers’ Group began meeting in the summer of 2014 and is composed of individuals who are caregivers for relatives and friends suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes, and other debilitating medical problems. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 3:30 p.m. We meet via Zoom. The caregivers are joined by two resource persons who have been caregivers and by the Rev’d James Knowles, the group’s chaplain. We share experiences and offer support to fellow caregivers, as well offering suggestions and providing information on available resources. All conversations remain strictly confidential. Caregivers at Trinity and elsewhere are invited to attend our meetings.

Trinity Men’s Breakfast

Peter Sehlinger, Chair

After meeting via Zoom because of the pandemic, the Trinity Men’s Group began meeting again for breakfast at 9:00 a.m.on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Lincoln Square Pancake House, 2330 North Meridian. We celebrated our fourth anniversary in January. We offer an opportunity for attendees to share experiences and get better acquainted. While largely social in nature, at each meeting Ross McKenna reads a short scriptural passage and a commentary from the tract Forward Day by Day, which are followed by discussion. All men at Trinity are encouraged and welcome to join us.