Ministering to the Needs of Our Congregation Together
Our purpose is to provide all Members with opportunities to offer a caring presence for one another as an expression of our Unitarian Universalist principles and of our life in community.

When to Call on the Ministry of Congregational Care
UUCA Members and supporting Friends are invited to call on the network of caring on many occasions, including:
- The death of a loved one and issues of grief and bereavement
- Illness
- Life transitions such as birth/adoption, marriage, separation/divorce, retirement, or moving to a retirement community
- Relationship conflict
- The challenges of parenting
- Conflict at work or loss of a job
- Changes in living conditions, including financial stress, empty nest, or caring for elder parents
- The death of a beloved animal companion
- Joys, such as a new baby/child, graduation, a promotion at work, an approaching wedding/union

Our Ministers

Rev. Mark Ward, our Minister, is available to:
- Offer short-term counseling
- Visit and offer support when Members and Friends are hospitalized or in crisis
- Explore spiritual issues
- Assist with planning for death or illness
- Conduct rites of passage

Rev. Sarah York, our Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care, is available for emergency care when Rev. Mark Ward is out of town or on vacation.

Planning Forms
Life crisis forms are available in the office. Whether or not you meet to discuss your planning or keep a copy on file with the minister, you may use this form to assist you and your family.

Pastoral Visitors are trained and coordinated by the Rev. Sarah York. They offer a caring ministry of presence by phone, mail, or in person to church Members and Friends who are in crisis, homebound, or who just want a good listener.

The Caring Response Team responds to the practical needs of church Members and Friends by offering the following services on an emergency or short term basis:
- Providing meals to those who are ill, have a new baby, or who are in need of temporary assistance
- Offering rides to medical appointments and to church services and events
- Offering to walk a dog, water plants, make phone calls, or respond to other practical needs.

CareRings create community among people in neighboring areas, and inform Members and Friends when someone in their CareRing is going through a time of personal need.

Support Groups are created as requested by and for Members and Friends who need support from others in similar circumstances during a time of transition or loss.

Get Involved
You are invited to join the Caring Response Team, apply to become a
Pastoral Visitor, or assist with CareRing leadership. Give us a call and we will help you become involved!

Primary Contacts

Minister
The Rev. Mark Ward
254-6001 Ext.
Minister@UUAsheville.org

Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care
The Rev. Sarah York
254-6001 Ext. 200
PastoralCare@UUAsheville.org

Pastoral Visitors
The Rev. Sarah York
254-6001 Ext. 200
PastoralCare@UUAsheville.org

Caring Response Team
Susan Yost
254-6001 Ext. 200
CaringResponseTeam@UUAsheville.org

CareRings
Susan Yost
254-6001 Ext. 200
CareRings@UUAsheville.org