How to Access Pastoral Care

Anybody who knows me probably knows that I can make a Venn diagram sing almost always. I resonate with the idea that pieces of our own worlds overlap with other pieces, finding new sources of strength in the bonds and the new colors created by the overlapping circles.

Perhaps the ultimate Christian Venn diagram is the Trinity, followed closely by a cathedral’s rose window - many pieces working toward the glory of God, powered by light and color, structured by thoughtful design and inspired by and inspiring love of God and all of God’s creation.

Pastoral care is a piece of our own rose window – a community of caring where all feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to each other, where everyone is treated with kindness, respect, and helpfulness, and, where they can, everyone has a mutual sense of responsibility to the health and vitality of the community.

As the current point person for pastoral care, please call/text me, Jane Bishop, 202-297-8627, with your pastoral care concerns for yourself, your family, your friends, or anyone you feel called to care for.

Together we will prayerfully decide on the next steps, connecting you and your cares and concerns with the right people and resources of our caring community.

Speaking of connection, let me offer this gift, which came to me unexpectedly and is truly a divine blessing: The Singapore Gift. My family lived in Singapore for 12 years – 13 time zones away from the U.S. East Coast. Despite many well-intended miscalculations, we would get phone calls at all hours of the night. So I learned how to answer the phone at 3am, make some sense, develop a plan of action if needed, and then go back to sleep. What this means to you is that if you need care and it cannot wait until daylight, my ears and my heart are here for you, God willing and thanks be to God.

May we all find peace, challenges, and joy in the love of God and each other.

Blessings y Paz,

Jane B.