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 Friends are invited to call on the caring network 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

• making plans for end-of-life decisions
  

Our Ministers

	Rev. Mark Ward, Lead Minster
	Rev. Lisa Kemper, Assistant Minister
	Both are 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

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 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 Congregational Care Council oversees the programs of pastoral care on behalf of the Board of Trustees. They meet quarterly to assess and respond to areas of ongoing need, create new groups as needed, and make recommendations for change.

The Caring Response Network 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.

Support Teams are groups of people who come together to provide practical emotional and spiritual support to individuals and families with healthcare concerns or other special needs on a more regular or long-term basis.

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.

Gather Rings provide a source of connection for Members and Friends by offering opportunities for small, neighborhood, social gatherings.

You Are Invited to:

• join the Caring Response Network

• train for and apply to become a Pastoral Visitor

• help form or lead a Support Group

• assist with Gather Ring leadership

Give us a call and we will help you become involved!

Primary Contacts

(for those without direct lines, contact the church front desk)
254-6001 Ext. 200
Information@UUAsheville.org

Lead Minister
The Rev. Mark Ward
254-6001 Ext. 203
Minister@UUAsheville.org

Assistant Minister
The Rev. Lisa Kemper

254-6001 Ext. 202
AsstMinister@UUAsheville.org

Pastoral Visitors
The Rev. Lisa Kemper

254-6001 Ext. 202
AsstMinister@UUAsheville.org

Caring Response Network
Jules Smith
254-6001 Ext. 207
Publications@UUAsheville.org

Support Teams
Peggy Tobin

Gather Rings
Nancy Heath, Co-Coordinator

Congregational Care Council
Fred Miercort, Chair