Pastoral Ministries

Pastoral Care is the way in which we take care of one another, emotionally and spiritually. Our pastor and the Lay Pastoral Care Team are leaders in this ministry, offering presence in time of grief and loss, sickness, need or any other adversity. At Emmanuel our members engage in pastoral care by getting to know each other, by listening and sharing, and being mindful and attentive when someone is in need. This may mean taking a casserole to someone, visiting in the hospital or by being part of one of the pastoral care groups at Emmanuel.

Pastoral Counseling

Stephen W. Leslie, M.S., N.C.C. is a licensed Pastoral Counselor/Psychotherapist who has an office at Emmanuel and offers pastoral counseling to individuals, couples and families. Pastoral counselors are unique in that they are able to offer a faith based dimension to the traditional psychotherapy approach. For some this is a very important aspect of the healing process; others may not wish to involve faith issues. In either case, a pastoral counselor is a very compassionate professional who views his or her role as a minister of healing, as well as a therapist. Contact Stephen Leslie at 410-433-8861 Ext 111

Lay Pastoral Care Team

At Emmanuel we are take seriously the call from God to care for one another in Christian love. Members of the Lay Pastoral Care Team provide pastoral care to people who are shut-ins, living in nursing homes, in the hospital or struggling with health care or other special needs. Team members have completed 20 hours of training and continue to meeting monthly throughout the year to support each other and receive further training. Contact Rev. Stephanie Vader for more information.

Lay Pastoral Care Training

Everyone at Emmanuel has the opportunity to participate in the Lay Pastoral Care Training that is offered annually at Emmanuel. The training is an opportunity to increase your caring skills and your courage to reach out to others in need. Pastoral Care is the task of the total community of Emmanuel-the task of ministering to one another and reaching out beyond ourselves. Our vision at Emmanuel is to create a more caring community by offering an annual Lay Pastoral Care Training class for our friends and members. Contact Rev. Stephanie Vader for more information.

Lay Communion Ministry

The members of our Lay Pastoral Care Team take Communion to those who are unable to attend our Sunday services. If you or someone you care for would like to receive communion at your home, nursing home, or hospital room contact Rev. Stephanie Vader.