Fellowship Care & Support Team

The Fellowship Care & Support Team (FCST) serves the mission and vision of the Fellowship by providing pastoral care to our congregation. This is accomplished by providing people in need (i.e. illness, loss or transition) with short term or emergency support. We also provide listening companions, memorial service receptions, and shawls provided by the Shawl Ministry. FCST works in conjunction with the minister to follow up on concerns or sorrows expressed in Sunday worship, and on other reported personal difficulties. Providing this care and support depends upon communication – please let us know if you or another Fellowship member is in need of help.

Members of the FCST are trained listeners. They may not represent themselves as licensed, clinical, counseling, or medical service providers while providing services for the Fellowship, regardless of any licensure which they may hold. FCST services are not intended to replace professional, medical, clinical, social or protective services or interventions.

Short Term Services Available (depending on available volunteers)

Transport to school, medical/clinical appointments, grocery/food/farmer’s market shopping, veterinary appointments, therapy, funeral and death services, financial/banking sites, pharmacy, church, 12-step programs, library
Transport for minor children (2 unrelated adults must be present in vehicle with child) to the above.
Hospital visits
Social visits and emotional support
Meals
Grocery or prescription pick-up and delivery
Limited transferring assistance for persons with limited mobility

Circles of Support

The Care and Support team helps to create and maintain Circles of Support for folks whose needs are complicated, ongoing, longer-term, or critical in some way. This means that a group of volunteers – 4-7 or so – work together with coordination to provide needed support for one individual or family. Care and Support team members receive ongoing training to work in circles. Folks who are not officially on the Care and Support team are also welcome to become part of a Circle of Support, and to receive some training and orientation for this work.

Not Provided Under Any Circumstances

Medical intervention (including administration of medications, dressing changes or wound treatments, dialysis, insulin administration, glucose testing, or diagnostic services)
Toileting or bathing assistance
Lifting assistance for persons with limited mobility
Counseling services
Major home repairs or demolition
Large furniture movement
Transport to personal social events (party, club, concert, dining, visiting with friends) ⮚ Transport for a minor to non-essential events (sporting events, musical events, social events)

Financial Assistance

Emergency financial assistance is available through the Emergency Aid Fund for a variety of financial needs. In the event of multiple requests, priority will be given to those who have not previously received assistance. Financial assistance is at the discretion of the Minister in consultation with the Emergency Aid Fund team.. Requests may be made privately to the Minister.

Financial assistance is available for:

Rent, utilities
Medication and wound treatment supplies
Food
Large appliance purchase in emergency situations (stove, refrigerator, microwave, washer, dryer)
Major religious holiday/birthday for minor child
Vehicle expenses
Support in the event of a death
Listening Companions

Members of the Fellowship Care & Support Team have received training in order to listen without judging or advising. When might someone request a listener? Perhaps when you’re feeling out of sorts, unmotivated or depressed. Or you struggle with a relationship–with a family member, a co-worker, a good friend. Or you’re overwhelmed and discouraged by justice work that must be done. Other possibilities include when you are grieving a loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, your health & strength. Or any situation where you just need a listening ear, no judgments, no advice, just a presence to help you sort out where you are so you can move on.

Memorial Service Receptions for Fellowship Members

The Memorial Service Team coordinates with the families of UUFC members to plan a reception at the time of a memorial service. Cookies, coffee, tea and punch are provided; families are welcome to supplement the offerings if desired. The Team handles setup and cleanup.

Shawl Ministry

Handmade shawls, scarfs, lap blankets, baby blankets, and other hand-made items are available to members of our community in time of need or celebration. Members of the shawl ministry or Care and Support Team make these deliveries.