Life is a challenging business! Pastoral care is the process by which we support one another in the business of life. Real care in a crisis can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.

At St Alfred's we have multiple levels of care: informal relationships, intentional small group ministry, mature Christian carers and professional pastoral care staff. Every members is encouraged to play their part within our many smaller study and ministry groups.

PEACE pastoral care is an intentional pastoral care model which emphasises the importance of each person caring and being cared for in the context of a healthy Christian community. This model fits into St. Alfred's vision and mission to help people become committed followers of Jesus Christ. The model embraces our five main purposes as God's people: loving God, belonging to God's family, maturing as disciples, using our God-given gifts and reaching out with God's love.

PEACE pastoral care happens proactively in small groups, prayer groups, ministry and task groups involving everyone in the church community. PEACE is an acronym that means we do the following:

• Praying with and for one another
• Encouraging one another in our Christian walk – bible reading, personal prayer and caring for others
• Being Available and keeping in touch with one another
• Comforting and encouraging one another in the tough times
• Being a Christian Example for one another

Small groups continue to do what they are doing but look at pastoral care through this framework. They don't have to solve the problem. They accompany individuals along the journey. The importance of connection with others at St. Alfred's is essential as our Church continues to grow. For those unable to be in a small group the context for PEACE pastoral care is the congregation. This too is a place where we care for one another and receive care.

Join a small group of some type so that as an individual, or as a family, you can care for others and feel cared for.