I came out from the cold into the United Church in Toronto a few years ago. As a new Christian, I was so excited about Jesus and being part of a community of believers. At first, the worship service was great and I felt really fulfilled. Then, the Minister retired and it took a while to replace him. In the meantime, I noticed that nobody at the church talked about religion or Christianity or the Bible or Jesus or anything. It was like those things were "off topic" or unpopular to discuss. I started to feel a little isolated.

I am a journalist working on an article for the United Church Observer magazine, about how to welcome a new minister. I'm wondering if there are tips or ideas that worked, or didn't work, in your experience, with welcoming a new minister? Or, from the minister's perspective, what made you feel most welcomed into a new congregation?

Pastoral care is the official word for the support given by a congregation to a member of the church or community.

Basically, though, it is the connection that occurs when someone is hurting.

Rev. Cheri DiNovo had an interview about her life in Ontario politics now in the Observer. If you have the time, please read it and listen to what she has to say:

http://www.ucobserver.org/faith/2010/03/cheri_dinovo/

She asks "Would that the United Church came to pray and sit with its members!" I think it's really moving. 

First, is the situation in our community

a)  many, many people work straight days, children /teens go to school straight days. We, at least the folks we appeal to, tend to have both parents working outside of the home.

b) programming or pastoral care for working parents or church meetings are primarily on evenings, and weekends.

c) programming for seniors is primarily in the daytime, as are emergent issues, ie hospitals/ funerals, and the  city / council type connections.

Well, today is the day our Church will begin a new journey.

Our minister of many years is retiring and for many, myself included, it is a sad time, for this is the departure of a much loved, gentle soul whose compassion was the greatest teacher.

Today we will hear the JNAC's decision.  The policies and procedures will be described.  A name will be given.  But the question will remain, for a while, whether we begin to walk a new road.