Lay Pastoral Care Team

The Lay Pastoral Care Team provides a ministry of hope and caring to members going through any of life’s challenging times. Here are some of the ways this trained team can help:

• support those who are going through a major life transition or personal crisis
• maintain contact with those who are isolated due to illness, disability, or COVID
• support family and friends involved in caregiving
• comfort the bereaved
• visit members who are ill
• provide a listening ear for anyone needing to vent or share their story
• help a person find the additional resources they need for their spiritual, emotional, or physical wellbeing

To get assigned a lay pastoral care listener, Rev. Julie and she will help you make a match with a team member who will be your listener while you share your story with them.

Lay Pastoral Care FAQs

1. Is Lay Pastoral Care the same thing as therapy or counseling?
   No. LPC team members provide supportive, active “listening”, but do not offer therapy, counseling, or advice. If a congregation member indicates that he or she would like to receive more formal therapy or counseling, a list of licensed mental health providers can be provided by our minister.
2. I am not sure if I really need to talk to someone. What obligation am I under if I simply want to find out more about the program?
   You will never be under obligation nor should you feel any pressure to formally meet with an LPC team member. Please talk to any team member or Rev. Julie if you have additional questions about LPC.
3. Where do people typically meet with a Lay Pastoral Care Team member to talk?
   This can vary quite a bit. Some congregation members prefer to speak via the telephone whereas others invite the LPC team member to their home. Meetings can also occur at UUCW, at a local establishment or another community location. The LPC team encourages congregation members to select meeting sites that are supportive and comfortable for them.
4. How does Lay Pastoral Care differ from CommUUnity Connections?
   The ministry work of LPC primarily involves talking and listening to congregation members who need support and affiliation. CommUUnity Connections provides a helping hand for congregation members in times of need, such as assisting with transportation, cooking meals, etc.
5. Do the Lay Pastoral Care Team members have to get training to be a part of the team?
   Yes. All LPC team members are vetted and trained to serve in this supportive, listening role.
6. Can I pick a member of the Lay Pastoral Care team that I want to meet and talk with?
   The best thing to do is to contact our minister at 262-782-3535 or Lay Pastoral Care Team. The LPC team wants all congregation members to feel comfortable, especially in what may be a vulnerable time.
7. If I decide to meet with a Lay Pastoral Care Team member, how long the relationship last?
   This can vary quite a bit. There is really no timeframe for individual conversations or for how many times you meet. The LPC team member and you can decide together what works best. And, you have complete autonomy to decide when you no longer need supportive listening.
8. If I speak with an LPC team member, will they bring up my name at LPC team meetings?
   The LPC team is very sensitive to protecting the privacy and dignity of all congregation members. If a situation arises that a team member needs to discuss with the group, names or personally identifiable information of congregation members will be kept confidential.

Contacts:
Rev. Julie Stoneberg  or 262-782-3535 x1002
Lay Pastoral Care Team