Pastoral Care

Yes, people sometimes ask: "What do I do if I need help?" The question itself is a huge thing. It's quite hard for many of us to ask for help—to admit that we could use a good conversation, a shoulder to cry on or hand to hold. We also can forget to share the joys and hopes of life, or feel too shy to talk with someone else about God, faith, doubt and love. But then it happens: we need help; we want to talk; we are bursting with hope and dying to share. So here's what you can do:

An Emergency
As they say: "If this is a life-threatening emergency, hang up and dial 911." After you do that, call Grace. Tell us, and we will respond with prayer, support, love and hope.

And if it is truly an emergency—whether medical, personal, spiritual or family related—do let us know. During those regular office hours, Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 2pm, call Grace: 206.842.9997. If you can't get an answer there, the next step is to call one of our clergy, Bill Harper or Arienne Davison. Try their cell phones first. Bill Harper: 206.799.1675 or Arienne Davison: 206.499.5939. If you are hurt, or struggling, or on your way to the hospital, we want to know. If you need us to talk, we will. If you need a prayer, tell us. If you want a hospital visit, tell us when and where. Help us help you by being specific. And remember, if you don't tell us, we won't know.

Not an Emergency, but . . .
Yes, it doesn't have to be life threatening to know you need help or support. Family changes; aging parents; challenging kids; challenging parents; anxiety; wonder; forgiveness; awe; amazement; delight; joy; faith; doubt; perspective; and most of all, God — if these are things you'd like to talk about, please let Bill or Arienne know. And if you don't get an answer right away, contact Candee in the office: 206.842.9997.

Discernment
Are you at a crossroads in life, and pondering the options? Are you struggling to make a choice about something, or wrestling with priorities? Is there an issue or question you would like to explore more deeply? Would you like to invite God into the process? You may want to consider bringing your concerns to a spiritual discernment team, an exercise in opening your heart and mind to the guiding presence of God, through prayerful listening. The trained discerners help you "sift through" your interior and exterior experiences to hear a call, a direction, or next steps. For more information please contact Beulah Downing: 206.780.8008

When a Prayer is What you Need
Try our community prayer circle. Add your name or that of one you would like to have a prayer said for. Prayers are sent out via email and also spoken aloud on Sundays for members of our community in need. To add someone to our prayer list please contact: Rhonda Manville, 206.842.5695.

Most of All: This is Family
Perhaps most of all, Grace Church is not just about Sunday mornings, coffee, old and new friends and fun conversation. We are connected by God to each other, and our real lives. We are not perfect. We don't have perfect lives. If help is needed, don't go it alone. Tell someone. Whisper it during church. Let your Tribe host know when they call you about cookies for this Sunday (Tribe Hosts are great listeners, and we learn so much from them!). Most of all, let's trust and help each other. That's why Grace is here, and how Grace Happens.