GA Live chat about Family Ministry! Join in....

Ministry to and with Families, with Aisha Houser, Children and Youth Programs from the UUA:

All about relationships, getting to know each other so we can reach out.

Who is in your congregation? Do you know names, interests, what their story is? How can you find out?

Listening, being relational, connection.

Reniassance Module for Pastoral Care is in the works.

Pastoral care is like triage; listening, finding appropriate services. Set clear boundaries. Listen in crisis, refer them on as appropriate. Pastoral care is appropriate, counseling is not. Pastoral care is something the whole church can do for each other.

Tapestry of Faith: "Taking it Home" portion of each curriculum can enhance family ministry.

Pastoral Care Teams in congregations: People with different areas of expertise meeting monthly to coordinate pastoral care for the congregation. (administrator as the first point of contact, should know what's happening with pastoral care)

So we also have a difference between Pastoral Care and Pastoral Counseling.

Great book reccomendation:

The Helper's Journey: Working With People Facing Grief, Loss, and Life-Threatening Illness

Also keep in mind that LREDA Good Offices is there for you if things start to get sticky and difficult and you need support figuring out boundaries or talking it out.

(((Aisha says hello everyone!))

We're here RIGHT NOW (9:30 mountain time) if you want to add a comment and ask a question!

Smaller churches:

Sometimes it's easier to be together with all generations, all know each other and share together. Support of all for each other.

Random conversation you might want to pay attention to.....

W.E.B. DuBois: The Souls of Black Folk, essays that help you understand the decisions that led to the "separate but equal" standard we still struggle with.