The members of the Pastoral Care Committee during 2009 included: Barb, Rose, June, Grace, Arlene, Lynn, Ina, Sharon (convenor).  

During this past year our projects were:

• Digital Mammography Seminar - On January 14, 2009, we hosted a seminar on Digital Mammography, conducted by Helen DeBoer-Daggett, FoundationDirector of NGH. This event was available to St. Paul’s, as well as to the community. Those who attended were asked to bring a donation for the Simcoe Caring Cupboard.

• Lenten Luncheons - 

Lenten Luncheons took place each Wednesday, between February 25 and April 1. Average attendance was 32. A sincere thank you to those who donated soup, fruit and goodies. A total of $443.50 was raised for the Guatemala Fund.

• Easter Plants 

Nineteen Easter plants were purchased from our Mission & Stewardship Committee to be given to  elderly members who are unable to attend church on a regular basis. Sixteen cards were sent to friends who have moved away to let them know we are thinking of them. 

• Catherine Cook Concert - (Sunday, May 31) Our committee sponsored an evening concert which was performed by singer/songwriter Catherine Cook. This evening, which was followed with a coffee hour, was very spiritual and uplifting with testimony and song. 

• Strawberry Social - (Sunday, June 28)

Our committee hosted the strawberry social; with fresh picked strawberries, cake and whipped cream. 

• Summer Lemonade 

The committee served lemonade after worship on July 25^th and August 30^th. 

• Tea/Bake and Jewelry Sale  - (Friday, October 23)

This event was held between the hours of  5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Baked goods were provided by members of committee and jewelry was made available by Ralph & Ina Wesseling. A special thank you to Ralph & Ina and committee members for raising the monies, which were directed to the Current Account.  

• Christmas Coffee Hour (Sunday, December 6) 

Our committee sponsored a coffee hour with special Christmas baking which was very well attended and enjoyed by all.  

• Christmas Plants

Poinsettias were again ordered from King Flowers for our shut-ins, which beautifully decorated our sanctuary on December 20. These were delivered  by committee members after worship. Christmas cards were also sent to many of our elderly members. A special thank you to Dave King for providing such lovely plants. 

• Friendship in Faith - Our committee is also very pleased to support the start-up of a new ministry in 2009. Together with Trinity Anglican and Immanuel CRC, we started a ministry for adults with intellectual disabilities. “Friendship in Faith”, has been meeting every second Wednesday evening at St. Paul’s, with over 35 people attending and the group continues to grow. Twelve members of St. Paul’s have been participating which is very encouraging. The last meeting in December was a full worship service including a drama of the Christmas story. Approximately 70 people attended. The group will continue to meet with our support, on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Linda Shaw will kindly continue to be our co-ordinator.

A personal note of thanks to each member of the committee for all your continued dedication and hard work, to be able to accomplish all of our successful events throughout the year.  

Convenor Sharon 

Annual Report - 2008

During this past year our projects were:

• Valentine Luncheon - February 15^th.Lenten Luncheons

Our Lenten Luncheons took place Wednesdays, beginning  February 6^th through to March 12^th. Many thanks are extended to members of the congregation who so very kindly donated soups and goodies for these luncheons. Over $400.00 was raised for the Guatemala Fund.  

• Easter Plants

Easter plants were purchased from the Mission & Stewardship Committee to be given to our elderly members who are unable to attend church on a regular basis. They always beautifully decorate our sanctuary Easter Sunday and are then delivered after worship by our Pastoral Care Committee.  

• Easter Cards

Cards are also sent to former “elderly” members who have moved away; some to be closer to family, to let them know we are thinking of them.  

• Coffee Hour

The Pastoral Care Committee sponsored a coffee hour after worship on Sunday, May 18.

• Strawberry Social

The Strawberry Social, along with the Sunday School Teacher Appreciation, which  was held Sunday, June 29^th was organized by the Pastoral Care as well as the Worship & Education Committee. Strawberries, cake and whipped cream were served at this event.  

• Summer Lemonade

The Committee served lemonade after worship on July 6^th and August 31st.       

•  “Outreach Program”  in November

Central Presbyterian Church in Hamilton organized the sending of care packages to our soldiers in Afghanistan as well as articles for the Afghan children. Sharon called Major Jim Ruddle who was the contact person, receiving 25 names of soldiers. Cards were sent along with gift certificates from Tim Hortons Coffee. The committee also acknowledged Major James, the son of Malcolm and Marie, who is currently serving in Afghanistan . Des will also be remembered when he leaves for Sudan in December.  

• Special Christmas Coffee Hour - Sunday, December 14^th

The committee sponsored a special Christmas Coffee Hour after worship December 14th. This was very much enjoyed by all.  

• Christmas Plants

Poinsettias were ordered from King Flowers for our shut-ins which beautifully decorated our sanctuary on Sunday, December 14, being delivered to our shut-ins after worship. Cards were also sent to many of our seniors, shut-ins and friends who have moved away.  

A personal note of thanks to each member of the committee for all of your continued hard work and dedication to help successfully accomplish all of our projects.  

Sharon Willson