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Skilful Shepherding 2: A Note Just To Say….

By Anonymous.

One of the simple things to do well is sending cards and notes to follow up on pastoral situations. It astonishes me how much the thoughtful, hand-written card/note to a member of a congregation means to the recipient. Sometimes months later, the card is still to be found in pride of place on the mantelpiece.

But we are forgetful. The melee of the week often means the card we intend to send as  we leave their house is quickly forgotten by the next pressing issue. The solution? Reserve in your diary a 30 minute slot every Monday morning. Sit with your box of cards and think back through the week. You’ll find you can quickly write and address five or six cards that augment the pastoral work of the week. Experience shows that such thoughtfulness reaps rich rewards  and the relationship is often taken to a deeper level.

Proverbs 25.11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Do the basics things well.