During last Sunday’s Question & Answer session with Board chair, James Trujillo, I spoke about shared ministry. While some think that the ministry of a congregation is solely the responsibility of the minister, it really is shared by those who come together in covenant and community. The ministry of OUUC is supported by me, each of you, and the amazing staff team. One of you commented that James & I were modeling shared ministry on Sunday, and I hope we were.
While there are many examples of shared ministry at OUUC, I’d like to highlight the Pastoral Care Team (PCT). During the pandemic, members of this team reached out to all people in the OUUC directory to see how they were doing. Since then, these caring and committed volunteers have kept tabs on our community members, checking in regularly to listen and offer support.
These are the dedicated PCT members: Barb Carey, Beth Johnson, Dan Donahue, Gail Gosney, Josie Solseng, Pam Turner, Polly Taylor, Chris Parke, and Anatha Attar. Marie Wood, a new person to OUUC is considering joining.
The PCT members offer a ministry of support for those in our community who are experiencing major life changes, such as birth of a child, adoption, loss of job, divorce, or retirement, death of a family member or friend, health problems, illness, hospitalization, isolation due to age, mobility, disability, or other factors. Or even a pandemic.
If you would like to update me and the PCT about a major life change or request support for that change, you can contact us in several ways:
- Warm line: 360-786-6383 x 109
- Email: pastoralcare@ouuc.org
We call it a “warm line” because it is not a crisis or emergency line and will be checked every few days.
You might reach out to the PCT through the email or Warm Line if you could use a listening ear, if you have a medical diagnosis or event that you’d like us to know about and want support for, or if there is another life transition that you’d like support navigating. Every contact is confidential, and information will only be shared with me as the minister. The PCT does not share information without permission.
I count on the PCT to help hold the needs of this community and I am most grateful for their dedication and service. Of course, you can still reach out to me, and I am available for spiritual guidance and counseling. Please also reach out to me if you are interested in serving on the PCT.
Together we offer this shared ministry of care and connection.
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary