By Martha Bell, Congregational Engagement
At UUCWC, we celebrate life! Our care for one another means sharing joys and sorrows during Sunday services, reaching out with messages of sympathy and congratulations, sometimes sitting with someone who needs a deeper conversation, providing meals and support during illness or other loss, and supporting memorial services.
The pastoral and caring ministry makes much of this care possible. Co-chaired by Pat Braender and Linda Vogt and facilitated by Rev. Kim, this ministry works to identify, reach out to, and support people in our congregation during times of need and celebration.
Why Participate in the Pastoral and Caring Ministry?
Most of us deeply want to help and care for others. By participating in the pastoral and caring ministry, you can make a real difference in others’ lives. The assistance this ministry offers goes both ways, deepening UUCWC’s sense of community and providing real help to those who need support. We show, over and over, that we can count on each other.
How Can You Participate?
The ministry welcomes volunteers to help with tasks such as providing hosts and lunch for memorial services, writing letters and cards, making house visits, offering rides or meals, and other support for UUCWC members in need.
Because much of their work is confidential, the core group consists of congregational members who have requested to join. However, anyone can volunteer to help via the Lotsa Helping Hands website (the link is also included in the Weekly Caring Notes email).
More About Pastoral and Caring Ministry
The ministry offers a range of solutions tailored to the needs of those being helped. For example, the people who deliver meals may stay for a conversation, or they may arrange to leave food in a cooler to better meet a person’s needs. The group provides short-term help in many ways. Long-term care is not provided (e.g., no childcare, healthcare, or nursing care).
Members of the core group each bring their unique blend of skills to the ministry. They take great care when encouraging people to ask for help, to meet each person’s needs, and to respect their confidentiality and autonomy. If you would like to volunteer as a member of the group, contact us at caring@uucwc.org and we’ll discuss how your skills might support this important ministry.
The group meets quarterly and maintains a list of people who might need assistance. If needed, a ministry member will be assigned to speak with someone on the list.
You can send a joy or sorrow directly to the minister, using this online form. For more information about the Pastoral and Caring Ministry, email caring@uucwc.org.