Care is the heart of First UU and looks after our members and friends in times of need. We visit those who are ill or in retirement homes; provide meals and help to the ill, injured, grieving, and to new parents; arrange rides to church and to appointments; and provide food and assistance for memorial services.

Who does provides care assistance? All of us can be part of this large group of caring people who do this important work. There is no job too small and no limit to the number of people needed. The work of pastoral care is truly rewarding -- building friendships while helping others. As our Words of Affirmation say, "This is our covenant with each other…to help one another". Please know that people are here for you. If you think a little help or a listening ear would be nice, but your circumstance isn’t really serious enough to ask for pastoral care, please think again. This is not a time for New England stoicism. There is great strength in asking for a little help. It gives the rest of us permission to do the same thing.

The First Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Care Assistance Program has five pillars, offering diverse ways for members to be involved.

1. Care Assistance Team are lay members of the church selected and trained to support people experiencing life changing events in the congregation with cards, phone calls or personal visits. Care Assistance Team also help coordinate practical support such as transportation, meals, help with household chores, and additional social support from friends, acquaintances and other congregant volunteers when needed for congregants they are working with. Care Assistance Team members listen and let people know there are people at First UU who care about them. Learn more about becoming a part of the Care Assistance Team.
   
2. Through regular interest and skills surveys of the congregation we gather names of those willing to help with a meal or drive someone to a doctor's appointment and calls on these volunteers as needed.Click here to take the survey.
   
3. Wellness Parish Nurses offer opportunities to participate in blood drives and blood pressure checks and Caring Family classes- work that can save lives. This program is under development. For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
4. The Retirement Communities Team is still in planning stages with hopes for ministerial attendance at retirement community worship and events, First UU Chalice Circles at retirement communities and arranging rides to church for retirement center residents.
5. The Memorial Support Team Ministry Vision: In the recent past a team of capable volunteers have helped church families with receptions for memorial services. The following is an expanded vision of this ministry of the congregation.The Memorial Support Team graciously supports memorial services and receptions for families of active members and other families who seek us out in their time of need. Team members are always welcome to be present during the memorial service before the reception which can add meaning to the assistance they provide. By ushering, and helping with aesthetics and refreshments, this ministry helps grieving family members and friends find comfort and strengthen their connections to one another. In a difficult time, the practical assistance this team provides allows those who are grieving to focus on their memories of the deceased, their relationships to one another and the sources of ultimate meaning in their lives. Learn more about joining the Memorial Support Team.
   

The program is coordinated by Rev. Mark Evens. People from all pillars meet together three times a year. Individual pillars meet more frequently as needed.

E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to become part of the Care Assistance Team.

There is a definite spiritual growth that comes from responding to the “caring gene.” You get to be the person you want to be. Join us on the Care Assistance Team.