During this strange and difficult time, we want to reassure you that the clergy, staff and lay pastoral leaders of St. Paul’s are here for you. We want to walk and abide with you in times of crisis, illness, grief as well as significant life events such as the birth or adoption of a child. If you are in need of anything, or would like someone to speak with, please know that we’re available while the physical church building is closed. There are many ways you can receive support. See below for how to request prayers or contact a member of the clergy.

You can also learn more about Pastoral Care and mental health resources both at St. Paul’s and in the surrounding community with our PASTORAL CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

PRAYER REQUESTS

 
Please send names of individuals for whom we may pray (with their permission) to Carter Johann and we will add them to our list. This list will be included in the intercessions and Prayers of the People in Sunday worship service and published in our weekly newsletter Grace Notes. You can e-mail Carter Johann HERE.

As an alternative to public prayer, we offer daily confidential prayers that may be accessed by sending an email to our prayer chain HERE.

PASTORAL VISITS

 
The clergy of St. Paul’s are conducting virtual pastoral visits via Zoom, telephone or other platforms in compliance with the Diocese of Virginia Covid-19 Guidelines for Pastoral Offices and Pastoral Care designed to minimize risk and protect parishioners and clergy, especially the most vulnerable among us. We will notify you as soon as we can safely begin in-person, socially-distanced pastoral visits.

Currently, Eucharistic Visits are currently suspended by the diocese until we are approved to safely re-gather, celebrate and distribute Holy Communion with an exception for end of life visits.

Other active pastoral care ministries during this time include sending cards and delivering Sunday flowers, and as well as providing meals after childbirth or illness.

Outdoor In-Person Pastoral Visits!

The clergy of St. Paul’s are now offering outdoor, in-person pastoral visits in the St. Paul’s Memorial Garden and breezeway or a park of your choice, weather permitting. If you are struggling, going through a crisis or a loss, or having a hard time, we are here to listen, support you, pray with you, and abide with you on your journey. All in-person, outdoor visits must fully comply with COVID health and safety measures, including wearing masks, maintaining a distance of 6-ft, and sanitizing—and of course, remaining outside.

To request an outdoor or virtual pastoral visit, you can email or call one of our Clergy.

To request a virtual pastoral visit and for any other pastoral needs or concerns, please email or call the Reverend Gwynn Crichton, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care: E-mail HERE or call (804) 545-5415.

St. Paul’s Prayer Chain

 
In 1993, a behind-the-scenes ministry was initiated and has been active ever since. One of quiet power and blessing, this small group of intercessors, some members of St. Paul’s and some friends beyond St. Paul’s, day by day, and week by week receive, by e-mail the first name and last initial of persons confronting crises of all kinds: health challenges, vocational strains, marital distress, growing pains, mental illness and every form of human anguish. The information and concerns are kept strictly confidential to the members of the chain and is separate from the weekly parish prayers (some of the names are common).

Each member of the St. Paul’s Prayer Chain has pledged to pray for these persons daily, interceding on their behalf. Every day our St. Paul’s intercessors, through prayer, join their faith, hope and energy to the healing power of God’s love. It just takes time, focus and openness, and a willingness to talk to God, and trust that God is listening and will respond in whatever way is wisest.

The St. Paul’s Intercessory Prayer Chain is always open to requests for prayer, and always eager to recruit new members to its list of intercessors.

If this ministry of intercession draws you, or if you have requests for prayer, please contact Caroline Cryer. You can e-mail her HERE.