Submitted by Wendy Sapp, Lay Pastoral Care Coordinator

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga is a caring and compassionate community that opens its arms to everyone. We support one another in times of need, we reach out to the community through numerous service projects, and one Sunday a month we “share the plate” with non-profits in the community who provide much needed services around us. (“Share the plate” means we donate all the collection from the offering on that day.) On a recent Sunday service, several first time visitors stood before the congregation and stated how welcome and loved they felt that morning. Over 100 visitors, members, and friends are regularly in the building on Sunday mornings sharing and connecting with one another.

While it is wonderful that we can reach out and care for others, sometimes we need care for ourselves and we need more care than a hug or quick conversation on a crowded Sunday morning. The Lay Pastoral Care team is an extension of our minister’s ministry to provide support for any one going through a challenging or difficult time. We visit people experiencing sickness or injury at home, in the hospital, or in the nursing home. We meet with people facing life’s challenges, including loss of job, divorce, and death of a loved one. Sometimes, the positive moments in life can also be challenging such as the birth of a new baby, changing jobs, or moving. If you find yourself needing someone to walk beside you in the difficult times, please be strong enough to reach out for help. We are here for you.

To request support from Lay Pastoral Care, please contact the Rev Cathy Harrington at minister@uucc.org, 423-624-2985, or Wendy Sapp at LPC@uucc.org, 706-218-2090.