Ours is a caring church. It is our custom to care for one another during difficult times. As our church has grown, we have increased the capacity of our pastoral presence in our community through a Lay Ministers Program, established in the fall of 2000. Lay Ministry serves in several ways:
A Lay Minister may visit with church members who are isolated in their homes or nursing homes, or who may face unexpected hardship or despair. A lay minister will offer attentive listening and compassion to church members, and represent the church to those in need. A Lay Minister brings the gift of his or her own self, and may offer quiet comfort or prayer, or may suggest outside resources, or might link a person in need to the Minister or to the Caring Committee for meals support. A Lay minister may be referred by the Minister, or may be sought out directly. Lay ministers are listed in the weekly Order of Service and the Courier.
The Lay Ministry also offers occasional informational or supportive programming. In 2006, we have offered a three part "End of Life" series, as well as a Sunday Evening Evensong program. We take part in the Sunday Worship Service when we invoke the congregation's Joys and Concerns.
Lay Ministers meet together to support one another in their work and to strengthen skills. Each Lay Minister is conscious of the sacred nature of the trust that exists between the lay minister and a member of the congregation who seeks assistance. Each lay minister is encouraged to participate in skills- building workshops offered by the Mass Bay District of Unitarian Universalist Churches, and the minister or a UU chaplain meets with the group to assist their development as a group and to offer guidance in their ministry.
The Lay Ministry Program is open to those who wish to deepen their ministry of service to the congregation.
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Initial website design: Rebecca Green Development and maintenance: Scott Shurr Updated: 06 November 2002 |