First Parish Bedford UU

First Parish in Bedford strives to be a loving community that provides support and care for each other through both the best and the most difficult of times. Trained and supervised by the ministers and professional lay leaders, the Lay Pastoral Care Team promotes a spirit and means of ongoing care and concern offered within the church community, among peers. Based on the first UU principle, to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the Lay Pastoral Care Team provides a readiness to reach out, listen, and support everyone in our community.  

If you or someone you care about is in need of support, contact any of the Lay Pastoral Care Committee members or the call the church office at 781-275-7994 to get in touch.
Current Lay Pastoral Care Team Members: Jeannie Balfour (co-chair), Maria Green (co-chair), Reverend John Gibbons, Maria Green, Reverend Megan Lynes, Bob Batt, Sandy Boczenowski, Nancy Daugherty, and Tina Nappi.

Working in partnership with the professional ministerial staff, our covenant to the congregation is to:    

• Be a caring presence for those experiencing times of transition, challenge and celebration
• Visit, call or write to people in need of support at home or in the hospital
• Maintain contact with those unable to attend church
• Assist those who are going through a life crisis
• Support those involved in care giving
• Provide a pastoral presence before, during and after our church services
• Listen for the needs of the community
• Develop support groups, education forums and discussion groups based on the collective needs of the community
• Facilitate connections between ministers and parishioners as requested or needed
• Offer information and referrals for professional services as requested or needed

 
Although the Lay Pastoral Care Team members do not provide therapy or mental health services, we are mindful of privacy and confidentiality. We are committed to holding information you share with us in the strictest confidence. We ask your permission before sharing information with other members of the LPC team and/or with the ministers. Our intention is to provide the best support possible to you. In any situation where there is an immediate concern about someone's personal safety, we will talk with you about our need to involve the professional ministerial staff.
 
Challenges come our way in life. Some are pretty manageable. Others leave us feeling very alone and overwhelmed, or demand great contemplation. The Lay Pastoral Care Team is available to offer sustained personal support to those enduring grieving, illness, injury, disability, marital changes, unemployment, relocation, care giving, isolation, job loss, inability to attend church or other difficult life situations. Likewise, times of celebration in our lives, such as a marriage, anniversary, the birth or adoption of a child/grandchild and a new opportunity, may bring stress and the need for acknowledgement and extra support.