Something New in Congregational Care

Mission Statement of the Congregational Care Team: To assure that the whole UUMC family feels loved, included and supported year round.

For the past 18 months the Congregational Care Team has been working towards a process for taking care of each individual in the congregation. The ministry we are building is based on similar successful programs in other churches, but designed to meet the unique needs of UUMC.

We are excited to introduce the Compeer ministry.

Compeer means: caring peer, ally, associate or companion. In this context we would like to think of these people as “compassionate peers.” We read of Christ’s compassion in Matthew 9: 36-38: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “ The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest”.

The way this ministry will work is that each Compeer will be assigned 15-20 families or individuals. We will divide the church directory alphabetically. The Compeer will call each person on their list initially to introduce themselves, gather some basic information and leave their contact information. The Compeer will then make monthly calls to touch base, find out needs, rejoice in joys, offer support in sorrows, etc. The Compeer will be the contact person and communicator between the church family member and the church staff and supportive church groups when a need arises. Compeers will have a list of resources to help organize the care required in times of need. Compeers will send celebratory cards and may occasionally gather with their group in the courtyard for coffee after church.

Each Compeer will also be under the care of a Compeer. Compeers will serve on a two-year rotation. Half of all Compeers will be replaced each year and a dedication ceremony installing new Compeers will take place in January.

We look forward to a time when most of our church family will have served as a Compeer at one time or another. A couple of months ago we invited several people to be involved in the Compeer ministry. Over twenty people have committed to the ministry already, but we need more. We know that there are many caring and compassionate people in our midst and we invite you to consider becoming a Compeer. Your life will be enriched and blessed as you enrich and bless others. In the process you will probably make some wonderful new friends.

If you are interested please contact Cheryl Heymans (512-280-5814 or cheymans@austin.rr.com) or Suzanne Field Rabb (srabb@uumc.org) Compeer training will take place in the Fall, calling will start in about November and the Compeer ministry will be launched with the dedication of the first Compeers in January. Is it any wonder that we are excited?!!!!