Pastoral Care

We recognise that there are many life-changing events that happen to us all; some planned, some unexpected. Maybe you have moved house or been influenced by a new development in your life. You might be coping with the birth of a new baby, living with a teenager, be thinking about getting married, or coping with illness, bereavement or loss. Whatever your situation we would be happy to listen and to support and help you in any way we can. You do not have to be a member of St John's to ask for help. 

We can also offer assistance with transport to church services and bringing Communion to the housebound. Contact the Parish Office in the first instance.

• Bereavement Care Group  St John's is part of the bereavement care team covering the villages of Burley and Menston. They offer a listening ear after the loss of a loved one. During the season of Advent, a Memory Tree is placed in church. Names of loved ones can be added to the tree. 
  
  
  You may also wish to visit the following pages for information and help with bereavement:
  counselling-directory.org.uk
  Child Death Helpline:  childdeathhelpline.org.uk
  Cot Death Helpline Tel: 0171 235 1721 (24hrs) fsid.org.uk
  Cruse Bereavement Care: Tel: 01234 340321  www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
  SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) Tel: 0171 4365881  uk-sands.org
  National Association of Widows, Tel: 0121 643 8348 www.widows.uk.net
  Compassionate Friends - For bereaved parents compassionatefriends.org

• The Horizon Group, for those who are bereaved, meet for coffee and fellowship on the last Friday morning of each month in the Parish Room. It is a very relaxed atmosphere where everyone is at ease with each other because of a shared loss. If you are in a similar situation and feel that you might enjoy their company you would be most welcome. Outings are arranged occasionally during the summer and a convivial Christmas lunch is enjoyed in one of the local hostelries. If you would like to contact a member of the group beforehand the Parish Office will be pleased to put you in touch with the group leader.
   
• Sunday Socials Meeting from October through to April in the Parish Room from 2.30 - 4pm on the first Sunday of the month this could be the group for you! Fun and laughter over cups of tea and biscuits whilst enjoying beetle drives, quizzes, dominoes, poetry ... and more!
   
• Menston Cares Members of St John's are also closely involved with Menston Cares, a village organisation working with Menston Good Neighbours to provide a wide variety of services such as helping with transport for hospital visiting, small odd jobs, providing one or two hour breaks for carers.