Our First and Second Principles:
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
We minister to each other in many ways at TJMC. We support each other as we work together on church projects, in an unexpected conversation in the social hall, in a touch as we light a candle of hope or remembrance, and in the friendships, old and new, that we build. When our needs are greater, we can call on our Pastoral Visitors and CareNet as resources. A visit, a meal delivered, a ride given–all of these strengthen our relationships and help to hold us closely in community.
As these stories show, the act of ministry can have a profound effect on all of the parties involved.
I will always be extremely grateful for the loving support I received from many friends at TJMC during my bereavement. Friends took me under their wings, going on walks with me, inviting me over for dinners, and generally keeping in touch. My Pastoral Visitor met with me at least once a month for nearly a year, and provided me with a great deal of support. Our Minister, Erik Wikstrom, not only helped me in the preparation of Shirley’s memorial service, but also continued to provide loving support.
—Doug Webbink
My Pastoral Visitor provided a rock I could hold on to during a period of sadness and grief. Our meeting every week was an oasis that I looked forward to. Meeting with my Pastoral Visitor, exploring what had happened and providing space for my inner voice helped me heal in a healthy and true-to-me way. I am glad I saw a Pastoral Visitor and am still benefitting from the inner wisdom I gained from our meetings.
—Anonymous
Being a Pastoral Visitor has been a profound experience for me. I have had the opportunity to sit with congregants during times of great stress, facing uncertainty, fearing the unknown. I have seen how offering a congregant the opportunity to fully experience and express feelings, explore difficult territory, and voice one’s thoughts can be life-changing. I have been deeply touched by the trust that develops when I sit with someone and offer the space for a congregant to honestly express their pain, confusion, anger, or sadness, and see their relief when they can do this without being judged by another. Healing occurs in this interaction, and we have the chance to live our UU values of deep respect, interconnection, and the freedom to find one’s own path in life.
–Patty Wallens
Co-Chair (with Shirley Paul) of Pastoral Visitors
If you would like to meet with a Pastoral Visitor, please contact one of our ministers. All meetings are confidential, and stories stories shared in this post are used with permission. You can activate CareNet by calling the church office, if you are in need of support or if someone you know is in need.