Pastoral Care

Pastoral Emergencies

When you need a minister, please call 650-494-0541 x25 and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

What is a pastoral emergency?

• You or someone in your immediate family have been arrested.
• You or someone in your immediate family are being rushed to the hospital.
• You or someone in your immediate family have been a victim of violence.
• You are overwhelmed with despair.

If such a situation arises, we want to be here for you without delay. If you’re thinking, “Oh, it’s not an emergency–I suppose I can make it through without help . . . ,” it’s probably an emergency. Don’t hesitate.

Caring Network

The UUCPA Caring Network helps to meet the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the congregation by giving temporary help to members and friends of the church.

• We provide compassionate accompaniment through hard times. When you need someone to listen and give support, we want to be there for you. We visit, make phone calls and send cards.
• We can coordinate rides, food, and help with errands.
• We can connect you to other resources in the community, such as ride programs, grief support groups and support for elders.
• We can support families with a new baby by coordinating meals.
• We can facilitate providing meals to persons/families with illness.
• We can assist in planning memorial services and serving at post-service receptions.
• We keep the congregation informed of Joys and Concerns via email.

How to request help via the caring network

Email to: caring@uucpa.org to request the support of the Caring Network for yourself or someone you know.

By Your Side Singers

By Your Side Singers (BYSS) is UUCPA’s pastoral care choir, founded in 2016.

In small groups, we visit and sing for any church member or friend, of any age, who seeks comfort, strength, or connection with UUCPA during times of illness, major life transition, or not being able to get to church. When invited, we sing in homes, in hospital rooms, or wherever we may accompany someone in need.

If you are a member or friend of the church undergoing a trying time of illness, change, or transition, we welcome you to call on us, so we may help ease your burden and calm your spirit through gentle song.

A visit may be arranged by contacting the BYSS co-chairs directly at singtocare@uucpa.org or by reaching out to the ministers of the congregation.

To sing with us: learn more here.

Contact: Rev. Melissa Thomson, Matthew Rosin, Co-Chairs singtocare@uucpa.org