Help care for others in the church community

When new members join our congregation they enter into an agreement or covenant with us. They agree to help other members, just as other members agree to help them.  This is the promise of mutual caring that goes beyond the Pastoral Care of a minister.  It is an agreement that requires not only reaching out to one another but a willingness to be forthright about our needs and desires. As Tom-Owen Towle put it,

“Our liberal religious covenant is to trust one another enough to seek help when we are down and to offer assistance when we are able.”

As a congregation that cares, we understand that the work and blessing of caring does not fall on the shoulders of a few people, we share it among all of us.  As we go about our participation in church life, we must pay attention to those around us.  Who haven’t you seen for a while?  Who looks down, unhappy or in distress?  Is there a joy or sorrow you heard on Sunday that you’d like to acknowledge?  What help can you offer to someone in need?

We also understand that it is a blessing to receive care and allow others to help us.  While we can never promise to fix a problem, there are many of us who are ready to offer help. Whether you need help, a referral to a professional, a listening ear or just a caring presence, please call the office or send an email to .

Please join our Caring Committee or one of our Care Teams

The Caring Committee manages these supportive activities with the help of their “Care Teams.”  The committee works to strengthen the internal ministry of the Church by responding to the expressed needs, concerns, and joys of members. They also raise church members’ awareness that all of us are responsible for caring for each other. We urge you to serve on the committee or one of the Care Teams. If you want to find out more about the Caring Committee or our Care Teams, please contact the chair(s) of the Caring Committee at .

These are some of the ways we care for each other:

• Cook meals for short-term needs
• Provide transportation for short-term needs
  • Such as driving someone to an appointment
• Run errands
  • Such as picking up groceries or prescriptions
• Provide emergency childcare
• Make home or hospital visits
• Visit home-bound members
• Contact home-bound or hospitalized members by telephone
• Offer bereavement home hospitality
  • For example, offer housing to people coming to town for a memorial service
• Send cards of condolence, concern, or encouragement
• Lend selected durable medical equipment
  • Depends on availability