John H. Crocker - 2008
All Seasons Church of Canada, Parry Sound Pastoral Charge
Chaplain pastoral Care
44 James St., Parry Sound, Ontario
P2A 1T5

January 30, 2009


Att’n. Rev. K.D. McKibbon

The following is a summary of my ministry with All Seasons Church of Canada. On January 27th 2008 and February 17, 2008, I led worship services and preached at St. James Centennial United Church in Parry Sound, Ontario, as the regular minister was on study leave and sick leave.

In this pastoral area I also officiated at 8 weddings in 2008. All of the ceremonies except one took place outside the usual 4 walls of a church building. The ceremony I officiated at in a church proper was held in the United Church in McKellar, Ontario. Although non-churched and not attending Sunday worship, I was able to provide them with pastoral support and guidance

Being a graduate of the Stephen Minister’s program I met once a month with other Stephen ministers and near the end of 2008 helped to re-define and implement a lagging pastoral care committee within St. James Centennial United Church, in Parry Sound. We now have many members of St. James involved in visiting in two long term care facilities in Parry Sound. One is Lakeland Long Term Care in the West Parry Sound Health Centre. The other is Belvedere Heights Home For The Aged.

After witnessing so many cookie cutter funerals, over the years, I completed a course in Ottawa, in August 2008, to become a certified Life Tribute Professional. I conducted 2 funerals in November 2008, one at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall and another one at the Torrance Funeral Home in Parry Sound. I was able to provide the families with support, counselling, and spiritual guidance as well as being able to leave them with a meaningful send off for their departed one.

Also in November 2008, I was asked to do a presentation for the local Hospice group that also works out of the West Parry Sound Health Centre. I was able to give them some insight into alternative funeral services.

The year 2008 introduced me to eight different couples seeking marriage. They were from all different walks of life and were interesting and wonderful people. Having helped launch them on their life journey always leaves me with a good feeling.

My own spiritual journey continues to be shored up and enriched through the opportunities provided by All Seasons Church of Canada.

There is no bigger feeling of satisfaction than what I get from having helped a family through their grief journey after the loss of a loved one. I look forward to more of the same in the upcoming year.

Sincerely

John Crocker



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