Pastoral Care at UUAA
Pastoral care is the support and love we offer each other, congregant to congregant, within the beloved community. Compassionate care for each other is one of the core values of our congregation. It is part of our covenant with each other - to dwell together in peace, to search for truth in love and to help one another.
UUAA’s Pastoral Care team is available to you if you are experiencing:
- Grief related to the loss or upcoming loss of someone important to you
- Illness (your own or of someone close to you)
- Loneliness
- Depression or anxiety
- Changes in employment
- Relationship challenges such as with parenting, spouse/partner, divorce situation, or in a work situation
- Challenging caregiving responsibilities
- Loss of beloved pet
- Joys and/or stresses associated with a new baby or adoption
- Changes in living situation that are stressful
- Other life transitions/situations
What the team can provide
We know that grief, illness, solitude and immobility can have a profound impact on health and well-being. You don’t have to do this alone. The Pastoral Care Team is here for you.
We provide . . .
- Meal support at times of illness, births, death
- Visits and/or phone support for those who are ill, hospitalized, or homebound, including those who are in retirement communities and nursing homes
- Support at time of death and grief over loss(es).
- Transportation, for example to and from medical appointments
- Connections with community services
- Regular check-ins with those who might be struggling with transitions
- Cards
- Handknit comfort shawls
- Education programs related to care/support situations
How to reach the Pastoral Care Team
If you find yourself in a hardship or otherwise stressful situation our Pastoral Care team may be able to assist you. Volunteers are thoughtful, generous UUAA members who provide various types of comfort and assistance. Our ministerial staff is also available for consultation, comfort, and assistance as needed. Pastoral care conversations are considered confidential. Every effort is made to maintain the privacy of a congregant.
Just as important, if you are aware that a fellow congregant is in need of support, let us know your concerns. Always obtain permission before sharing details about someone’s medical or personal condition with the team.
Contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator, the rev. theresa rohlck, either by phone at (734) 665-6158 (ext 2) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Pastoral Care Team at UUAA for 2021-2022
Pastoral Care is coordinated by rev. theresa rohlck, UUAA’s Congregational Chaplain.
The six member pastoral care team works closely with rev. theresa to provide and coordinate pastoral care for the UUAA community.
Current members are Julie Dybdahl, Lucy Graff, LB Hilbert, Sherry McCargar, Karl Sikkenga, Priscilla Spencer. See their photos using this link.
Comfort Shawl Ministry
Volunteers knit or crochet shawls and blankets for those among us who are experiencing grief and loss, but also the joy of being a new parent/grandparent/caregiver when a child comes into our community. Click here for information about the Comfort Shawl Ministry
UUAA’s Pastoral Care Network
On Sunday, May 19th, 2019, the new UUAA Pastoral Care Network was introduced to the Congregation. This network approach combines the skills and strengths of the ministerial team and the congregation to provide assistance to all members of the beloved community. A key element of the network is congregant to congregant care (congregants providing help to each other). We are building a database of care. If you are interested in learning more about service in this capacity, please contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator/Congregational Chaplain, rev. theresa rohlck. (734) 665-6158 (ext 2) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
