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Ministry & Counseling Services

 

St. John 15:16 it states that God chose you, not the other way around. Your ordination is of God from before the foundation of the earth - according to the Bible. The Bible does not explicitly define the role of a pastor, but does associate it with teaching. Pastoral care involves "shepherding the flock"... Shepherding involves protection, tending to needs, strengthening the weak, encouragement, feeding the flock, making provision, shielding, refreshing, restoring, leading by example to move people on in their pursuit of holiness, comforting, guiding (Ps. 78: 52; 23).

End-of-Life Doula

End-of-Life Doulas provide resources, education and companionship for the dying and their caregivers as they fill in gaps in hospice care and medical support systems.

As a natural extension of hospice more and more families are choosing to care for their loved ones - before and after death - in their homes. The intent of the certification course is to focus and sharpen natural skills and to give confidence, credibility and recognition to the skills and inspiration that build community as we embrace the most sacred threshold in the spiral of life, our final passage. The work of an End-of-Life Doula does not duplicate the work of professionals such as doctors, nurses, hospice workers, or funeral directors; we work alongside them filling in the gaps. Our skills are not medically oriented, they are community, spiritually, traditionally, hands and heart-oriented. We use the ancient and time-proven techniques of an open and compassionate heart, touch, and our voices to work with individuals and families on emotional, spiritual and practical levels. This work can be done in any setting, whether in a hospital, nursing facility or a home. 

When a loved one's death is dignified, peaceful and meaningful, it can be a sacred experience for those left behind. Often an event such as this heals family rifts and enables people to reconnect with each other in ways that are life-changing for everyone involved. When families are able to participate in the ending of a loved one's life it can be very empowering.

Weddings: Ordained State of Ohio

 

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony. In order for a marriage to be legal, the wedding ceremony must include the Declaration of Intent; this is most commonly recognized as the "Do you take..." and "I do" exchange.

 

Marriage laws vary in each state; sometimes even county to county. It is important to be familiarized with the requirements set forth by your local and state government. Contact the local government agency that issues the marriage license and ask what is required of the minister who will perform the marriage ceremony.

 

As a minister who believes that love is boundless, I peform weddings for same sex couples with the same respect and dignity as any other couple who plan to spend thier lifetime commited to the union of marriage. 

Celebration of Life: Funerals

 

In recent years, the funeral service has evolved from a formal or structured ceremony with religious music, scripture, prayers, and little or no information regarding the life of the deceased, to a true celebration of a life remembered.

 

The key to turning a funeral into a celebration of a life lived is through personalization.

Family, friends and visitors should be encouraged to share memories of the decedent and describe how they relate to the personalized elements of the service and the items on display.

Funeral songselection can – and should – include the favorite music of the decedent.

Photographs can easily personalize a service as well. Today, it is commonplace to feature not only photographs, but also video tributes during a visitation. Many families also choose to host receptions, either at the funeral home or in the family's home, after the service. These receptions are typically elaborate catered events with entertainment.

 

Funeral services are changing to meet the needs of a generation that has different ideas about life – and death.

Inner Peace Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counseling, a clinical practice that integrates both psychological and theological concepts into its framework, is not unlike other modes of therapy when it comes to the therapeutic process. What sets it apart is the way faith, spirituality, and theology are incorporated into the model. Pastoral counselors believe this incorporation of spiritual exploration and support can foster wholeness, healing, and growth in those who are seeking help.

Beyond providing life and health coaching, pastoral counselors utilize resources such as prayer, scripture study, and participation in the congregation community to help guide people on their journey toward transcendence, transformation, and greater connection to others.

My practice is guided by the connections of the earth to the physical body. We often meet in nature to explore our primal intuition and subconscious. A variety of techniques are used to increase a sense of internal peace and solutions to life's situations.

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