Pastoral Care Associates
October 2005
A Note from the Minister
When I think back on those times in my adult life when I was facing some personal crisis - whether it was my divorce, or the challenges of parenting, or the death of my father - it was often the members of my religious community to whom I turned for guidance and comfort.
That's why I know how important it is that a religious community such as Emerson be intentional in providing "pastoral care" to its members and friends. This is, of course, a prime role of a minister, and it is indeed one of the reasons I entered the parish ministry. But no minister, including this one, can create a "beloved community" alone; it takes the help of other caring members of the congregation.
Here at Emerson, a Caring Committee was formed before I arrived, and they have been a big help to me since I came. Co-chairs Cindy Parker and Louise Ronne, as well as Sue Keating and, before her death, Susie Klain, have kept in touch with members who are house-bound, provided food or transportation to those who are ill, visited people in the hospital, and generally kept me aware of the pastoral needs of the church.
But Emerson is growing, and with that growth comes the need for an expanded program for Pastoral Care. For this reason, the current Caring Committee will this Fall be transformed into a Pastoral Care Associates program - a ministry of lay pastoral caregivers recruited and trained by me and other professionals, whose role will be to work closely with me to provide comprehensive pastoral care to the members and friends of this church.
The Pastoral Care Associates will receive training and education about listening skills, community resources, addictions, grief, and more. They will meet with me on a monthly basis to talk about the pastoral needs of the congregation, and to plan how to meet those needs. They won't necessarily carry out all the tasks that might be required, but rather help to organize efforts throughout the congregation. In short, they will help me and you fulfill the first half of the role of a church: "To comfort the afflicted."
In November I will present a worship service about the importance of pastoral care in a religious community; and in December I'll hold the first orientation for those wishing to become a Pastoral Care Associate. If you are interested in participating, or know of someone who you think would be an asset in this program, please do let me know.
Of course, I've witnessed much pastoral care naturally occurring between all of you - on Sundays after worship, during the week in your Small Group Ministries, at committee meetings, and a myriad of other times. Emerson is truly a Beloved Community, and I am continually touched by the depth of your caring for one another.
Blessings to you all.
Reverend Anne Hines
