First Universalist Church

Pastoral Care

What Is Pastoral Care?

In days past, people experiencing life transitions expected their clergy person to make a visit. “pastoral care,” traditionally understood, was the short-term counseling offered by ordained ministers to the people of their congregations. Pastoral care was seen as an essential resource in times of trouble, and ministers were thought to be the ones with the spiritual wisdom to provide it.

Today, many people never think of turning to their church when facing life’s challenges. The proliferation of mental health practitioners provides more “professional” alternatives, and few people see their minister as “having all the answers.” Still, there is much to be said for pastoral care, with its special emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of life and its context of being rooted in a person’s faith community.

In recent years, a new understanding of pastoral care has developed and is based on the premise that the warmth of human relationship can help people through lonely, sad, or frightening times such as illness, loss, grief, or major life changes. It does not take a seminary education or ordination by a religious body to offer such care—a trained ear and compassionate heart are all that are needed.

Pastors still have a particular role in providing care to their congregations, yet in this new vision we are all ministers to one another. From this vision, our Pastoral Care Team was born.

How Does Pastoral Care Work?

The Pastoral Care Team (PCT):

• responds to requests for visits from people within the church community,
• reaches out to people who have not overtly requested a visit but might appreciate one,
• complements the ministry we’re already doing with one another through out caring connection,
• schedules visits with people of the church community at a place and time convenient to both,
• offers one-time only and ongoing visits,
• tries to help you find your own peace and strength (which are spiritual gifts), rather than offering to solve your problems.

If you’d like a visit, please contact the church office.

What Is the PCT?

We are a small group of your fellow First Universalists who have brought together our life experience, some specialized knowledge, and a desire to help others. We’ve undergone training in the skills of listening in a helpful way.

Our mission is to be available to help if you find yourself at a painful or confusing crossroads in life, to help you find your path—be it spiritual, emotional, or practical—to get where you need to go next.

Working in collaboration with our minister, we will tailor our service to your needs—visiting you once or over a period of time, be your confidant, or refer you to professional help as you see fit.

Our intention is to help people find direction, support, and meaning. In the end, we hope our work will bring us closer to the caring community we hope to maintain, one where no one feels alone.

Our Mission Statement:

In the spirit of compassionate community, the Pastoral Care Team is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life transitions and times of need. We are trained listeners offering a sensitive and confidential presence.

When to Ask for Pastoral Care:

Pastoral Care makes sense during any of life’s transitions. Some examples include:

• When you're in the hospital
• When you come home from the hospital
• While undergoing at-home care
• In the first years of marriage
• When diagnosed with a major illness
• Following a serious accident
• When homebound
• After the birth or adoption of a child
• When experiencing financial or legal difficulties
• While a loved one struggles
• During job transitions
• After the loss of a loved one
• When new to the neighborhood
• While you or a loved one is dealing with a terminal illness
• During and after divorce
• When you're feeling alone
• When you find yourself asking “Life’s Big Questions”
• When children leave home or family moves away
• Anytime it would feel good to have a caring companion on the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:   Why do we need a Pastoral Care Team?

A:   The PCT was formed to provide pastoral care during our minister’s sabbatical in 2003. Yet, even without such impetus, the PCT is a good idea because we have grown too large for any one person to respond to all of our needs for pastoral care, so there is the danger of people “slipping through the cracks.” Additionally, we have long had a commitment to supporting and strengthening the ministry of our lay members, believing that not only our minister can do ministry.

Q:   What training do PCT members receive?

A:   Before serving, every member of the PCT completes fifteen hours of training. Additionally, half of each monthly meeting is devoted to ongoing training. PCT members commit to serving a minimum of two years.

Q:   How can I get pastoral care?

A:   Call the church office (846-4148).

Q:   What if I think I want to join the PCT?