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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, our Minister, is available to:
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Offer short-term counseling
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Visit and offer support when Members and Friends are hospitalized or in crisis
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Explore spiritual issues
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Assist with planning for death or illness
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Conduct rites of passage
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| Rev. Sarah York, our Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care, oversees the program of congregational care and assists Rev. Ward with the pastoral ministry. |
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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 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.
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.
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
- 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. 203
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 Network
Susan Yost
254-6001 Ext. 207
Information@UUAsheville.org
Support Teams
Peggy Tobin
254-6001 Ext. 200
PastoralCare@UUAsheville.org
CareRings
Sally Carlson & Joyce Birkenholz
254-6001 Ext. 200
Information@UUAsheville.org
Congregational Care Council
Linda Topp, chair
254-6001 Ext. 200
Information@UUAsheville.org
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