Mutual care and support are important benefits of being part of Fourth Universalist. Pastoral care is the provision of spiritual and religious support to a member or friend of the congregation who self-identifies their need and makes a request for help.

Pastoral care is intended for immediate, emergency, or short-term needs. It is not spiritual direction or psychotherapy, but spiritual support for an acute event or episode in the person’s life.

If you request pastoral care, you will be contacted by either the minister or a Pastoral Care Associate. They will respond to assess what type of help is  needed and who would be the appropriate person to offer their services. The goal is to offer time limited help, usually up to three sessions, and, if needed, offer a referral for longer term support.

Our Pastoral Care Associates are trained volunteers who offer a non-professional level of service. They offer care through active listening and referral. Pastoral Care Associates can be approached when on duty (wearing their PCA badge) during Sunday Service, via our minister, or through the office (office@4thu.org.)

Others in the congregation may be available to offer home visitation to those recovering from illness or surgery, or other needs such as accompaniment to medical appointments, bringing meals, and/or picking up groceries and prescriptions.

We strive to be  a caring community; extending ourselves to others during times of crisis. If you would benefit from pastoral care, please contact our minister, Rev. Sara Green at revsara@4thu.org to learn more.