Care Team

The Care Team at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston

Pastoral Care and the Care Team
at First UU Church

Pastoral Care

“Caring for one another is a core spiritual practice for Unitarian Universalists.
Pastoral care is the term we use for the ways we offer support
and compassion to each other in community.”
Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org)

At the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, we support one another in multiple ways. If you have an immediate need, you may call the Pastoral Care Line at 281-899-8911 or Rev. Scott directly at 972-971-0435.

If you have a less immediate need, please call the church office at 713-526-5200. We will help you set up an appointment with a minister or put you in contact with our Care Team.

CARE TEAM

The Care Team’s Mission Statement is “To create a more nurturing environment at First Church by providing practical assistance for members and friends of First UU, their families and their caregivers, who would like extra help when they have an acute or chronic health care need.”

“So long as we love we serve;
so long as we are loved by others,
I would almost say that we are indispensable.”
· Robert Louis Stevenson

The Team is composed of individuals, couples and families from the First UU congregation who want to serve by assisting members, their families, or their caregivers who need in-home or hospital support and care.


What Support Do Care Team Members Offer?


Care Teams of one, two or more members act almost as an extended family to their “Care Partners” who need extra help because of illness or other health problems. They may also provide assistance by:


— Scheduling visits to assess the kinds of help needed
— Making home and hospital visits
— Checking in with Care Partners through phone calls
— Providing or finding others to provide necessary transportation
— Shopping for groceries
— Arranging for prepared meals to be brought in on a short-term basis
— Giving respite for the caregiver
— Offering support and encouragement to other family members
— Calling on others in the congregation when the Team is unable to meet a particular need
— Performing simple household repairs
— Publicize the Care Team within the church community


Care Team Members Also Assist with Funerals & Memorial Services

To ease the burden for grieving friends and family members, the Care Team provides ushers in the sanctuary, sets up Channing Hall for receptions, provides food and drinks, and cleans up after receptions.

Do You Need Help from the Care Team?

You may call the church office at 713-526-5200 and ask to speak to one of the ministers if you think you could use a little extra help. Care Teams are assigned only with the agreement of the member who wants Care Team assistance. All information shared will be kept confidential within the Care Team.

How do I volunteer to be a member of the Care Team?

If you would like to volunteer and be part of First UU Church's Care Team, please contact Rev. Scott at scott@firstuu.org. Because we work with vulnerable adults, all volunteers for the Care Team will have a Volunteer Background Check for Safe Congregations done.

Because Care Team members work with vulnerable adults, please note that all Care Team applicants will be required to complete a Volunteer Background Check for Safe Congregations.