CrossCare 

CrossCare is a local-area lay pastoral care ministry which operates throughout the Parish. All Church members belong to a CrossCare group. A group may be composed of people living in the same geographic area, or perhaps because of their association as friends or as members of a particular interest group such as the Choir, Craft Group or Sunday School.   Each group is facilitated by a Group Co-ordinator. CrossCare complements the pastoral care provided by clergy by encouraging mutual support among parishioners.

There are many naturally-occurring groups within the Parish e.g. interest groups, study groups, friendship groups. In no way does CrossCare detract from these groups. In fact, we want to fully encourage spontaneous links between parishioners - the more we mix with and care for each other within and across groups, the better.

The CrossCare scheme is designed to reinforce a sense of belonging and care within our Church family and also has the potential to reach out to the wider community. It is a very useful way to meet each other's needs within our Church family and to help us reflect the love of God to each other in a caring and non-threatening manner. Jesus gave us all a commission to care for one another:

"My command is this: love each other as I have loved you."   John 15:12

CrossCare members care for each other in a variety of ways - it may be just a telephone call, a lift to worship services, help preparing a meal in the case of illness or bereavement, offering a listening ear at a difficult time or a an occasional social gathering in a group member's home. People can find many real and valuable ways to support each other.Newcomers to the Parish are included into an appropriate group by the relevant Ministry Centre Co-ordinator. Any parishioner may ask to change groups if they find it better suits their needs.

Each Group has a Co-ordinator whose key roles are to welcome and include new members, to maintain contact with Group members in a variety of ways and to provide a link between them. Co-ordinators are available to assist in any way they can to support, encourage or provide information about the Church and its activities. Group Co-ordinators are selected by the relevant Ministry Centre Co-ordinator in consultation with the Priest-in-charge. A key selection criterion is their commitment to share God's love.

A CrossCare Co-ordinator is appointed to each of the two ministry centres in the Parish. These Co-ordinators administer the network, support Group Co-ordinators and assist the clergy to monitor pastoral care needs in their respective areas.

Because of the number of worship service at St Mark's, key contacts are appointed for each service to assist in keeping abreast of people's needs and to help liaise with Group Co-ordinators.  

For further information please contact the relevant Ministry Centre Co-ordinator :

Good Shepherd Ministry Centre

 Mrs Sandra Rodgers-Falk and Mrs Joan Wilson, telephone 3800 8972

St Mark's Ministry Centre

 Mrs Helen Culbert, telephone 3209 8656.