Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Associates program is an extension of ministry within the UU Congregation of Frederick. It is a means of members providing assistance and comfort to one another in times of illness, family crisis or care giving so that no one should feel alone in time of need. Pastoral Care Associates receive extensive training in preparation for this form of lay ministry. The Associate offers careful and confidential listening, emotional support and practical information about community services that may be appropriate for special needs.

Examples of this kind of ministry might include help offered
• during an acute illness
• after accident or surgery
• while facing bereavement and loss
• when a new infant arrives
• during life transitions, divorce, job loss
• while having long term health or aging issues

Pastoral Care Associates provide
• a caring presence
• visits at home or in hospital
• careful and confidential listening
• support for family members in bereavement
• coordinating meals and transport offered by church members
• help after surgery
• support when new infants arrive.

This active caring to help each other meet life challenges does not include medical, nursing or therapy services. These are beyond the program’s purpose. However, appropriate referrals to agencies are offered if needed.

If you would like to speak with a Pastoral Care Associate, please call the church office at 301-473-7680 and someone will contact you. For a list of active UUCF Pastoral Associates, click here.

Becoming a Pastoral Care Associate is a serious commitment that involves training in confidential listening, a pledge to support fellow associates and to care for oneself. If you have an interest in helping with this ministry, please click here to download an application to the program. Completed applications are submitted to the Minister, who will then have someone contact you.