Our Minister, Rev. Jim McKinley, is in charge of the Pastoral care at UUFH. There are major life events that only he can address, including deaths, critical illness, and those requiring pastoral counseling. But in a congregation of 200-plus members and friends, it is not always possible for Jim to attend to every person who has a pastoral need.
Some years ago, the Pastoral Associates committee was formed to work with Jim on how best to cover the pastoral needs of all our congregants. Early leadership was provided by Roxanna White and others, who created the following Mission Statement: Consistent with UU principles and in partnership with the Minister, the Pastoral Associates offer a caring presence to members and friends of the congregation.
The Pastoral Associates are UUFH members who have received special training for supporting congregants who have pastoral needs. They make visits to homes, hospitals, and facilities, and make phone calls and send cards. They also act as the ‘eyes and ears of the minister’ in learning about situations that might benefit from pastoral action. Each month, one committee member is “on-call.” That person’s name and number is printed in The Beacon and in each Order of Service. Pastoral Associates wear a lavender tag, and one can speak with any of the Associates if aware of an unmet pastoral need in our congregation. Pastoral Associates are available most Sundays after the service at the social hour.
There are seven Pastoral Associates: Neal Andreae, Bonnie Arbuckle, Jack Caldwell, Barbara Eck, Reba Furches, and two new members, Robin Grainger and Bill White, who joined us this Spring. The committee is currently at full complement, but they are always glad to hear about anyone with a special interest in this area.
The committee meets monthly under Jim’s supervision to discuss ways they can be of comfort to UUFH congregants. In addition, Pastoral Associates participate in several special training sessions each year. They work closely with the Care Shawl knitting group and the Neighborhood Groups in caring for our congregants.
All conversations and efforts by the committee are held in the strictest confidence and are only shared with the congregation with one’s permission. The Pastoral Associates welcome feedback and suggestions on how they can best perform their mission.
Barbara Eck
Chair Pastoral Associates