Pastoral Friends

The Pastoral Friends are lay members of White Bear U.U. Church who have volunteered to work with the Minister to care for the pastoral needs of the congregation.

These needs may include :

visiting members and friends at home, in the hospital, or nursing home;

delivering meals to an individual or family;

driving someone to church, or to errands or appointments;

listening to someone in distress, or simply going through a hard time;

sending cards or flowers;

visiting by phone;

companioning a new member here at church;

helping with yard work or household chores when someone is unable to do these things;

befriending a child or youth

checking up on someone not lately seen;

helping at Memorial receptions;

assisting new parents;

just listening...

In their role here, the Pastoral Friends are not professional counselors. They are trained volunteers who know that everyone needs help sometimes.

Confidential referrals are made through the Minister, the Reverend Victoria Safford, who together with a lay training team oversees the work of the Pastoral Friends and provides ongoing support and resources. The Pastoral Friends Program is intended not to replace the counseling and pastoral care provided by the minister, but to supplement this, and enrich this growing congregation’s network of caring and connection.

You can reach the Minister, and the Pastoral Friends, by calling the church office at 426-2369 or via e-mail at safford@unitarian.org.