Called to Care

Love God with all of your heart
and mind and soul and strength;
Love your neighbor as yourself.

What is Called to Care

Called to Care was established by the Board of Deacons of the Second Congregational Church to coordinate and provide practical assistance and spiritual support for members and friends of our church. Although the pastor remains the primary pastoral care giver for our congregation, volunteers from Called to Care supplement the minister in a variety of important ways. Friendly visits, nutritious meals, and support in times of anguish are shared by those who are Called to Care.

As this is a new effort at coordination, some programs are more developed than others. If you have suggestions for what a particular program could entail or accomplish, feel free to contact the committee or the general coordinator with your thoughts and ideas.

Who is Called to Care?

We are all "called to care." As people of faith, each one of us is charged to love God, ourselves, and our neighbor (Mark 12:30-31), even when our neighbor is a stranger (Luke 10:36-37). That love requires us to care for each other in whatever way we can. And so Called to Care volunteers come from throughout the congregation, and are of all ages, interests and abilities. All participants in the life of Second Congregational are invited to volunteer for the Called to Care program.

However, this program must not reduce the entire congregation's responsibility for prayerful and active caring of each other; even if we do not volunteer, we are stilled "called to care."

How can I answer the Call to Care?

Your gifts are welcome! Contact the relevant program coordinator if you already know what you would like to do, or the general coordinator or pastor to offer your time and talents. They will help you match your gifts with current needs in the program. Whatever time you can offer, whatever task you can accomplish, makes a difference in someone's life! And volunteering for Called to care is a special opportunity; not only do volunteers minister to others, but their own lives are also enriched by the experience.

How Called to Care Works

Called to Care is divided into specific programs, each with a program coordinator. Any member or friend of Second Congregational Church may bring a concern (for themselves or for someone else) to Called to Care by contacting a program coordinator, the general coordinator, or the pastor.

NOTE: Called to Care respects the confidentiality of all referrals and requests for assistance.

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

One of the greatest miracles God has given creation is the miracle of giving. For when we give to another, we find that we receive so much in return! Helping a child accomplish a simple task, we are infinitely rewarded by a smile of thanksgiving and joy; visiting with seniors, our life is enriched by their wisdom and experience. And it is a miracle, itself, to just be needed by another. When our talents and abilities improve the life of another, the worth of our own life increases.

The Called to Care program of our church is an opportunity to participate in the miracle of giving. Matching needs and resources, Called to Care improves the lives of caregivers and care receivers alike. What a blessing the Board of Deacons has given this church by enhancing this program.

God has called us to participate in the miracle of caring. In caring and being cared for, we follow the example set by Jesus:

Love one another, as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. (John 12b-14)

At some point in our lives, we are all a caregiver, and we are all in need of care. Whatever your need, whatever you have to share, all you need do is call!

(Portions of this page used by permission of the First Parish of Westwood)

PROGRAMS:

If a coordinator is not available, please call the church office.

LAY VISITATION:

Companionship is provided through visits, phone calls and sending cards to house-bound individuals or residents of nursing homes who have expressed an interest in participating.

Call: Trudy Chase 383-1780

MEMORIAL RECEPTIONS:

These caring individuals work with a family in the time immediately following a death to coordinate a memorial reception in Bates Hall.

Call: Carol Sandblom 383-1812

TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation is provided to parishioners for worship services, special church events, medical appointments, emergencies or any occasion not covered by other transportation groups in town.

Call: Ruth Nedrow 383-9292

COOKS THAT CARE:

Cooks that Care prepare meals at home and deliver them to those in need during recuperation, bereavements and crisis. The team gathers support through an existing pool of cooks-on-call.

Call: DeeDee Perry 383-9474

FAMILY SUPPORT:

Call for schedule of important workshops and events in our area; and other resources.

Call: the church office 383-0345

EMERGENCY SITTING:

Day or night, when emergency dictates, leaving a child or adult alone, volunteers will provide short term coverage.

Call: Charlotte Simmons 383-2587