Programs > Caring Community

CARING COMMUNITY

We, the members of the First Unitarian, agree to . . .

minister to each other in an atmosphere of welcome, acceptance, and caring

As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, we come together in voluntary community to nurture and support each other along life's many paths. We relate to each other without judgment about spiritual, gender, or religious issues, and we seek to open our hearts to each other in genuine response to our many needs.

Our Caring Community

Our hope is that all of the persons in this UU community—members, visitors, children, and their families—will have the emotional and practical care that a community can appropriately give, especially in times of difficulty or illness. We probably won't know what you need until you tell us, however, so please ask for what you need. Here are some guidelines and possibilities that may be available at First Unitarian's various locations.

The Ministers
All of our ministers are available to members and prospective members who would like a conversation with them. Simply call the office or e-mail them and ask for an appointment. In emergencies (but only in emergencies, please!), don't hesitate to call them at home, even at night or on weekends. If you're confined to home or hospital, they can come to you. Our ministers rarely call members of the congregation unless they are asked to, so it is up to you to take the initiative.

The CARE Committee
The CARE Committee coordinates volunteers in our caring community. Among the services they offer are rides to church or medical appointments, meals during recovery, and cards on significant occasions. They have access to some medical equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs for short-term loans. They also assist with receptions after memorial services.

Care Teams
A Care Team can be formed to give a member or family long-term support in case of a prolonged health or other serious need. Teams, coordinated by trained Care Team leaders, may include church members and other friends, and they allow the patient or family to direct the work as much as possible.

Pastoral Care Associates
The pastoral associates are a specially chosen and trained group of "good listeners" who are our church's friendly visitors. They are available for occasional or regular visits with members of our community who would benefit from contact and conversation.

Support Groups
Support groups bring together people with similar life challenges to enjoy each other's wisdom and the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggle. The ministers or other qualified professionals in the congregation run support groups when a need arises. Check with the ministers for more information. Men's groups, women's groups, covenant groups, extended families, and neighborhood groups also offer significant help and support to their members. You can find more information about those groups here.

Informal Caring
All church groups are considered to be part of the church's network of care and concern. When group and committee leaders become aware of a person in need of help or attention, they should call one of the ministers.

Sharing with Our Community

We also offer opportunities to share your joys and sorrows with our community.

Sharing in Worship
In our worship service each week, we open our hearts to those in difficult circumstances or those celebrating milestones. This is accomplished in different ways. At our Albuquerque location you can always light a candle in the candle ring at the front of the sanctuary and write your joy or concern on the pad provided. The list goes to our senior minister each week, and someone will follow up on your concern if you check that you'd appreciate that. To add your joy or sorrow to the list, you should call or e-mail the office, preferably by noon on Friday.

In the branch congregations or at the Video Worship, you can share your joys or sorrows during the time allotted for it during the worship service.

We Light a Candle in Our Heart . . .
This section in the Messenger advises church members of the joys and sorrows in their friends' lives. Items for this column should be e-mailed to publications@uuabq.org.