UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
West Lafayette, Indiana

Why we formed

The Pastoral Care Group was formed in 1993 to broaden the ministry of our congregation.  It serves as a bridge between the needs of people in the congregational community and those who wish to be of service.  We believe that our congregation is stronger, healthier, and more vital when we serve one another – weaving the interdependent web of community.  We want to make it easier to reach out to receive and offer help to one another.

What we do

The Pastoral Care Group works with the minister to assist families and individuals. The Group becomes involved at times when extra help is needed, such as the birth of a baby, illness or injury, a death in the family, and other major life changes.  We extend our circle of caring so that we can more easily turn to one another for support – even when we are new to the congregation.   Our purpose is to help members of the congregation to help one another.

There are six areas that together form a covering of care for our congregation, like an umbrella.

We have an extended support network, yet it is important to call on  the minister – for support, hospital visits, advocacy, and family emergency.

Specific Care Groups – form to provide support for people facing challenges (job transitions, chronic illnesses, losses, etc.). Call the minister with ideas, hopes, and needs for groups.

Pastoral Companionship – Provides support and visits when people are homebound, hospitalized, or facing other isolating crises.  Call the minister or a member of Pastoral Care.

Neighborhood Networks – Help to coordinate rides, food, babysitting, and other help needed over the long and short term by new and old members of our congregational community.  Our Neighborhood Networks, help people connect with one another as they enter the congregation, find support, and share care beyond the Pastoral Care Group. Call Cheryl Fowler (or your neighborhood group coordinator) to connect with your neighborhood network.

Pastoral Care Support­ – Provides a friendly phone call, a check-in, or a visit in a time of crisis. Call the minister.

Pastoral Counseling -- Is offered by the minister on short term basis for short term matters, for referral in long term issues, for beginning the process of healing, to break isolation while facing a life challenge. Call to make an appointment

Spiritual Practices – groups facilitate the use of spiritual practice in facing challenges (prayer, meditation,and labyrinth-walking). Call minister or program council with ideas or interests.

We can help with:

·   Visits/phone calls to shut-ins

·   Emergency childcare

·   Preparation and delivery of meals during time of need

·   Relief to a caregiver for a few hours

·   Transportation to and from church functions, appointments, and stores.

·   Shopping or errands for the house bound

·  Assistance with writing letters and/or checks, and reading mail.

·  A simple reception at the church following a memorial service

·  Referral to community agencies

·  Referral to the minister in a time of need. 

·  Referral from the minister to services within the congregation and the community

·  And more!

We Need One Another

We need one another when we mourn and would be comforted.

We need one another when we are in trouble and afraid.

We need one another when we are in despair, in temptation, and need to be recalled to our best selves again.

We need one another when we would accomplish some great purpose, and cannot do it alone.

We need one another in the hour of success, when we look for someone to share our triumphs.

We need one another in the hour of defeat, when with encouragement we might endure, and stand again.

We need one another when we come to die, and would have gentle hands prepare us for the journey.

All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us.

George E. Odell