When to Call the Pastor
Sometimes people wonder when they should call or contact the pastor. Here are some suggestions as to when to notify Pastor Finley. You can make contact by calling the church office or calling Pastor Finley directly.
Notify the Pastor when . . .
You’re going into the hospital. Please tell the pastor when you going into the hospital, or if a close family member is. Pastor likes to visit people who are in the hospital for a few days or more.
You would like a prayer said for you. Pastor Finley is always happy to do this. (Please note: If you would like yourself or a loved one to be included on the Prayer List or included in the Prayers of the Church you can fill out a “Prayer Request” card and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher.)
You are not able to come to church for more than a month. If you are sick or home bound for a prolonged period and can’t get to church, Pastor Finley can come to you to see how you are doing, pray with you, have a short devotion, and bring you Holy Eucharist. Over lengthy periods of recovery or if you live in an assisted living facility, trained lay visitors – Eucharistic Shepherds – might be used to supplement the pastor’s visits. Pastor and congregation family want you to stay connected to God’s Word and the Sacrament even when you cannot physically be at church on Sunday.
You have a question or concern about something at church. Many church-related questions that people have can be cleared up easily. Likewise, if you have a concern about something at church, or if you have a suggestion for something that can be done that is new or different let the pastor know and we’ll talk about it. While the congregation may not be able to implement every suggestion, your input does matter!
Call pastor when you or someone you know needs help. Most pastors will readily admit that there are few easy answers in life, but pastors also know about resources and options that can help. Contact Pastor Finley when a difficult decision confronts you – life-changing decisions should not be made alone and Pastor Finley can help you think through the options that face you in life. For long-term counseling, Pastor Finley can refer you to a spiritually-grounded professional counseling resource.
Your conscience is troubling you and you want assurance of God’s grace. God does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation and guilt. God invites us to confess our sin and receive forgiveness. In strict confidence you can make confession to the pastor and receive assurance of God’s forgiveness and absolution delivered personally to you.
You’re wrestling with a spiritual issue or have a question about something the Bible says. Questions often come up when you’re talking religion with coworkers and friends, or in your own personal Bible study. Call pastor if you have a question about a Bible teaching. He loves to discuss God’s Word and to see people grow in their understanding of it.
Planning a wedding. Pre-marital counseling and wedding planning require time. Too often couples set a date and a location for a wedding without including a pastor in those discussions. The result is that sometimes the pastor is unable to perform the wedding because of other obligations and commitments. If you have questions about the process, call pastor and he can give you further guidance.
Planning a funeral. Call Pastor Finley at the beginning of making funeral arrangements. He will want to visit you and work with you in making the service as meaningful as possible. The pastor is also here to provide spiritual support to you and your family in a time of grief.
Baptism. If you, someone in your family or an acquaintance desires to be baptized then let Pastor Finley know. He will contact you about setting the date and making necessary preparations.
Become a member of the congregation. If you desire to become a member of the congregation at Christ the King, contact Pastor Finley to find out when his next New Member Class will meet for orientation.