Pastoral Care Notes

First UCC has a very active pastoral care ministry of which some of you may be unaware. The reason for this is that most people don’t really experience pastoral care until or unless there is an illness or hardship. Others may assume that pastoral care is only for our elderly members.

Pastoral care is, instead, something we each do for one another. Supporting a loved one or friend through a difficult time, greeting one another, inviting someone for coffee or offering hospitality in any way, or reaching out to someone who seems alone or troubled are all ways we provide pastoral care.

In this church, pastoral care is also provided by the pastoral care associate who is on staff, the Congregational Care Council, and pastoral volunteers. We are able to provide short-term meals, rides, and visits to members who are experiencing difficulty in their lives. The Congregational Care Council supports the volunteers, works closely with the Pastoral Care Associate, and also provides several events during the year. These include :  (1.) The annual Strawberry Festival….a festival of fresh berries, cake and whipped cream, music and fellowship, (2) The holiday luncheon at Northfield Retirement Center—-a holiday meal for our members who reside at NRC. The fun part of this meal is that volunteers provide each of the special guests with his/her favorite food. The menu is often quite “eclectic” but definitely fun. (3) The Longest Night service. This is a beautiful service of music, readings, and prayer. It recognizes that sometimes sadness, grief, and isolation may sharply contrast with the festivity of the season. It is always held on December 21, the “longest night” of the year. 

The prayer shawl knitters create beautiful prayer shawls that we give to those experiencing pain or sadness. These beautiful shawls remind the recipient that he/she is surrounded by the love and prayers of those who prayed as they knit.

There is also a Prayer Chain at First UCC. This is a group of members who offer to pray for people who are in need. If you wish to place someone on the prayer chain, call Cathy, and she will notify the Prayer Chain members. If desired, this can be an anonymous request.

The Pastoral Care Associate and the pastor make visits to those who are shut ins, those who are in hospitals, or those who request a visit. In addition pastoral counseling is also offered by both Rev. Sandy and Cathy.

Cathy is also involved in the Northfield Grief Coalition and co-facilitates a grief group each spring with the pastoral minister from Bethel Lutheran Church.

Pastoral care is not a highly- visible ministry. Many of the issues involved in this ministry are confidential by nature. And, many of the people who receive pastoral care are not always that visible because they may be unable to fully participate in regular church services or groups. So, even though it is not always a highly-publicized area in the church, it is a busy ministry.

If you or a loved one is in need of pastoral care, please contact Rev. Sandy or Cathy at the church. Also, please let us know if you or a loved one is hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit.

We must “care for one another”. Please help us do that.