We have a congregation full of caring, concerned people.

Several of us met recently to discuss what we do well as a congregation to take care of one another, and what we can do better.  Though we don’t have a regularly meeting committee, we do have a Caring Team, a bunch of people who extend themselves in one way or another.  These are the folks who gathered.

There’s a lot we do right.  The group felt particularly good about the support received for significant losses.  Our memorial services feel loving.  Our in-formal interactions, hanging around after services to connect, and rich small group life help many folks feel supported.  We do well in volunteering when asked to bring meals.

At the same time, we are afraid of people falling through the cracks.  What about people who don’t belong to any of our small groups or feel connected with others in the congregation?  How do we make sure people don’t miss the love and attention we would like to give?

This is an issue not only for the group of people who regularly provide care to others (shout outs to Caring Team members Betty Banner, Sylvia Beeman, Jen Campbell, Harriette Janke, Elke Lorenz, Dixie Moreau, Sandy Nelson, Kathleen Oldfather, Jane Pelletier, Cybil Perkins, Tom Phillips, Jessica Sievers, and to everyone who leads or participates in a small group).  Caring is an issue and responsibility for everyone in the congregation.  If you need something–a listening ear, meals delivered while someone in the family is ill or grieving, a hug, transportation to the doctor–please ask.  Contact me, or if it’s more comfortable, someone you know from the fellowship.  And if someone asks you, and you don’t know where to go, call me or the fellowship office.

Unitarian Universalists can be very independent and self-reliant–a good feature most of the time.  Sometimes, though, that independence and self-reliance can keep us from asking for what we need.  And keep others from providing the care they would like to give.  Or maybe we’re afraid that if we ask, we’ll end up disap-pointed.  Please, though, give us a chance.

As I write, my partner had surgery in the last week.  I have received a card from the fellowship, and several people checking in to make sure she’s doing OK (she’s doing great!) and asking if there’s anything we need.  It has felt like there was a group of people who truly care.  Thanks to all who reached out.

We truly have a congregation full of caring, concerned people.

Jonalu