Last Sunday, the Reverend Charlotte Cramer, an interfaith chaplain who works as a street chaplain, spoke of the critical importance of spiritual care for houseless people. I agree with her and would add that spiritual care is important for all of us. The ministry of spiritual care happens in multiple ways in our community and is upheld by many hearts.

The ordained ministers here – me (Rev. Alison Miller), Rev. Tom Disrud, and Rev. Leah Ongiri – all have some availability to offer pastoral care when the need arises in your life. You can email us directly or call the church office (503-228-6389) and ask to set up an appointment to meet with one of us in person, on Zoom, or on the phone. I also have a calendar app, which you can click directly here to set up an appointment.

When might you contact a minister? Here are some examples:

• You have been diagnosed with an illness or will be having surgery
• You are anticipating a milestone ceremony in your life – a wedding, a baby dedication, a memorial service
• You are facing a challenge or navigating one of life’s transitions
• You want to learn more about our church or want to join
• You are questioning or wrestling with a matter of faith or theology
• You are looking to receive prayer or spiritual companionship
• You are discerning your future 
• You are concerned about something happening in the church or you have a compliment to share 
• You are wondering how you can make a difference in the church or in the wider world

We are also blessed to have over two dozen volunteers who serve as lay ministers in our congregation. These are members who are equipped to serve as spiritual companions with you in a time of challenge, transition, or loss. You can connect with our team of lay ministers by calling the church number (503-228-6389) and pressing extension 9 to reach the lay minister on call. Our lay ministers also coordinate meals and rides for folks who have a temporary need, such as following surgery or a birth. I’ll add a note of appreciation for Kathy L. and Patrick M., who have recently stepped up as co-chairs of the lay ministry team, as well as for Leslie C., our meal/ride coordinator. In addition, many, many kudos go to Ellen Z., who just completed three years of leadership as chair.

You can also reach our ministers and lay ministers with the new form on our website at www.tinyurl.com/1stU-care. 

This is also the form to use to share your joys, sorrows, and transitions either publicly as a part of our pastoral prayers on Sunday or privately with our ministers and care team.

This practice of the entire congregation holding one or more people in prayer around their significant milestones and passages is part of the spiritual work of our community. This only happens when it is specifically requested to be shared aloud, and it is perfectly fine to request that your celebration or struggle be held in the circle of weekly prayers of our ordained ministers and lay ministers throughout the week.

The chancel flowers which may be dedicated on Sundays in honor of a beloved, a milestone, or an anniversary are also another meaningful way to have a celebration or a loss held in the hearts of our community. (The donation is $100 to cover the costs of a bouquet.) You can reserve flowers by contacting Marsha W., our flower coordinator, at flowers@firstunitarianportland.org.

Whatever joy or sorrow, transition or trial is happening in your life, please know that there are many people at First Unitarian who are here alongside of you ready to celebrate, to comfort, to listen, to pray, to make meaning, and to help make sense of what is unfolding.

May the compassionate listening, prayers, meals, rides, cards, and spiritual companionship our ministers, lay ministers, and volunteers offer our members and friends allow each and every one of us to know that we are never alone.

In faith,

Rev. Alison