Pastoral Care

At ECN we believe church should be a place where people are genuinely known, supported and encouraged. Pastoral care is woven into the life of our community - through prayer, practical help and walking with one another through every season of life. Here you’ll find an overview of the support and services we offer.

  • Child dedication is a special moment where parents thank God for their child and commit to raising them in a Christ‑centred home. It reflects the biblical pattern of presenting children to God and inviting the wider church family to stand alongside parents in prayer and support.

    A dedication does not make a child a Christian; it is a commitment made by the parents and the church, trusting that the child will one day choose to follow Jesus for themselves.

    We normally dedicate children aged 2 and under, but we are very happy to talk with families newer to faith who may have older children.

    To register for child dedication, please use this form.

  • Marriage is a gift from God, and we want to help couples begin their journey with wisdom, clarity and strong foundations. We offer marriage preparation through group sessions or 1:1 conversations, tailored to the needs of each couple.

    If you attend ECN and would like to explore marriage preparation, please get in touch with the Church Office.

  • A wedding is a joyful celebration of love, faith and lifelong commitment. We welcome enquiries from couples where at least one partner is part of the ECN family or has a meaningful connection to our church.

    Our pastors can conduct the ceremony, oversee the legal elements and support you with planning, music and technical needs.

    To discuss holding your wedding at ECN, please contact the Church Office.

  • If you have recently lost someone close to you, we are deeply sorry. Grief is painful, and you do not have to walk through it alone. We want to offer comfort, prayer and practical support wherever we can.

    Your Connect Group will usually be your first place of support, so please let your leader know. You can also reach out directly to the Pastoral Care Team by contacting the Church Office.

  • A funeral is an important moment to honour a life, share memories and find hope in God’s presence. ECN conducts funerals for church members or those with a meaningful link to our church community.

    If you would like to enquire about holding a funeral at ECN, please contact the Church Office.

  • Alongside the care that naturally happens within our Connect Groups, we have a Pastoral Care Team available for those who need additional support - whether due to illness, crisis, bereavement or other challenges.

    If you would like to speak with someone or arrange a pastoral appointment, please contact the Church Office.

  • If you are a member of ECN and are house‑bound, in hospital or unwell for an extended period, we would love to stay connected with you. Our team can arrange visits or phone calls to pray with you and offer support.

    To request a visit, please contact the Church Office.

  • We are glad to support ECN families applying to schools. Before requesting a reference, please note:

    • At least one parent/guardian must be an active member of ECN, and the child must attend ECN regularly.

    • Schools ask us to provide accurate information about attendance, involvement and commitment.

    • We verify all details against our membership and Kids Church attendance records.

    To request a school reference, please contact the Church Office.

  • We may be able to provide references for passports, visas, employment and similar applications for ECN members. To enquire, please contact the Church Office.

  • “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

    - Psalm 34:18

  • “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

    - 1 Peter 5:7

  • “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

    - Isaiah 41:10

  • “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

    - Psalm 23:1-2