This committee was tasked with identifying areas of lay ministry. They prioritized four areas: Bible study, pastoral care, missionary work, and prayers of the people. They focused on starting Bible study sessions before Christmas and Easter with attendance ranging from 2 to 15. The top priority was pastoral care, now called congregational care, which involves friendly and pastoral visits. They believe growing this program will help the church grow as word spreads about how they care for members. Currently 22 people attended meetings to be caring visitors and 12 completed pastoral training. Teams have been assigned and a process established to provide care and track those receiving visits.

1. Presentation to CCDP Forum, November 3,2013
Discerning Gifts For Lay Ministry.
This committee was tasked with the responsibility of considering areas of ministry in
which lay people could be more involved. Our group met many times in the past year and
as many ministries were identified we had to set priorities. These were: a] Bible study
b]Pastoral Care,c]Missionary work,d] Prayers of the People. From these we decided to
concentrate on Bible Study and Pastoral care. Last year we initiated 2 bible study
sessions leading up to Christmas and Easter. These sessions took place at CCDP from 9
to 10AM on Sundays. Attendence ranged from 2 to 15. We believe that there is an
interest in continuing with this Bible Study program. The problem is finding people to
lead the discussions.I led 2 groups and suggest that by reading the lessons and the
relevant material provided by clergy it is not difficult to start a meaningful discussion.
Please consider becoming involved by contacting either Douglas Graydon at the church
or myself at 416-975-5506.
The top priority of the Committee is Pastoral Care which we are calling Congregational
Care which involves “friendly visits” and Pastoral visits. The latter are more directed to
those needing spiritual comfort, prayer and communion.
Let’s consider the reasons for prioritizing Congregational Care and why you might
consider being involved.
1. We have a very caring clergy but they are limited by their numbers and their
other clerical responsibilities in making Pastoral and “friendly” visits. If the clergy do
most of the these calls then CCDP has a caring clergy. If the congregation becomes
involved then we have a caring Church! We believe that as word circulates in the
community about how we care for our people the Church will grow. Successful consumer
oriented businesses have emphasized caring for their customers and helping them when
their products break down or do not perform as expected..We as a congregation should be
aware of those of our people who are in need and be in a position to help.You are the
ones who can most effectively grow our Church.
2.The benefits of caring for others are shared by those that receive and those that
give. When you become involved in caregiving, as most of you know, there is a sense of
thankfulness that you have been able to help someone else.
3. The whole case for caring is grounded in Jesus’ teaching.
“do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family,you did it to me”
The status of the Congregational Care initiative is as follows:
1.We currently have 22 of our congregation who have attended the meetings
and are prepared to be a caring visitor.
2. 12 of these people have now taken the Pastoral Training program which took
place over the last 2 Saturdays at CCDP. Those who are committed to being a pastoral

2. visitor will be interviewed by clergy and will be formally recognized by the Bishop as
Lay Pastoral visitors at a church service.
3. Teams of “friendly”visitors have been assigned to those requiring care and a
process has been established to review and update information regarding those receiving
care.
All who volunteer to become part of the Congregational Care Team will be asked to
adhere to a Visitors Code of Conduct. This will include attending regularly scheduled
meetings, adhering to principles of confidentiality, attending on-going workshops to learn
new skills, and of course, meeting for fellowship and prayer.
If you are not now involved and would like to participate please call The Reverend
Canon Douglas Graydon at the church or David Moore at 416-975-5506.