““The truth is that we live in an invisible ocean of Spirit, one that connects us all together, and so our energy expressed as intention, as loving care and empathy, actually travels across or through the invisible spirit reality of God, to surround the other person.””
— "The Uniting Spirit of Prayer" by David J H Hart

What is pastoral and spiritual care?

Pastoral Care is the extension of Christian love, help and support by providing comfort and caring to those experiencing life transitions, illness, grief, and family or personal crisis. Spiritual Care has many aspects, including prayer and providing opportunities for awareness and education.

How is pastoral and spiritual care provided?

Pastoral Care is provided by the Minister(s) and an enthusiastic team of volunteers who are committed to providing pastoral service to our congregation. Spiritual Care, in the form of prayer and opportunities to participate in education and awareness sessions, is offered to the congregation and the wider community.

What does the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team do?

The Team works closely with the Minister(s) to:

  • Identify the persons and families for whom support or services are needed

  • Visit members in hospital, at home or in a long term care setting

  • Telephone, email or visit members who are experiencing a life transition, illness, grief, or family or personal crisis.

  • Send cards and notes to acknowledge births, deaths, illness and significant family events

  • Offer prayer for all for whom prayer has been requested

  • Provide opportunities for education and awareness sessions for the congregation and the wider community

How can I help?

You can help by informing the Team of anyone you know in the congregation who is in need of Pastoral Care. If you would like to be part of the Pastoral Care Team or to volunteer your services for some of the Team's activities, speak to any Team member or leave your name with the church office. 

How does someone in need contact the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team?

There are many ways to contact the Pastoral Care Team:

  • Talk to Team members directly at church.

  • Telephone the church office at (613) 820-8103.

  • Email the church office at office@bcuc.org.

A member of the Team or a Minister will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Requests for Pastoral Care and personal information are kept confidential.

Prayer requests

To make a prayer request, complete a form, located beside the prayer box in the main entranceway, and place the form inside the locked box. You may also make your prayer request by speaking to any member of the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team or by contacting the church office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org. Utmost confidentiality is observed at all times.

Did you know?

  • All members of the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team are required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.

  • All Pastoral Care Visitors have received training through the Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program.

  • The Pastoral Care Team is represented at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital. One member of the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team makes regular visits to patients from our church as well as patients who who identify themselves as "United Church".