Our Pastoral Care Team
What we do:
When you hear the words, "Pastoral Care," what comes to mind? A gentle presence by a sick bed or perhaps some warm soup? Someone who knows how to listen?
Pastoral care is that, and more. It is connecting people during some of the happiest and some of the most trying times our members and friends can go through, and helping out in practical ways -- like providing rides, making a quick visit or getting a 'fridge restocked after a rehab stay. Our Pastoral Care Team helps us reach out to one another in times of celebration, and in times of sorrow and difficulty.
The USNF Pastoral Care Team coordinates visits, rides, meals and other forms of assistance for members of our community who are in need. Our minister and other members of the team are available for hospital and home visits, and for short-term counseling.
Current members: Barbara Thompson, chair; Gile Beye, Sara Hunt, Steve Kramer, Juli Kinsman, Sarah Osgood, Randi Poirier, and Reverend Eric Cherry.
If you would like some help or know someone who might:
The Pastoral Care Team can be contacted via email,
You may also email the office,
If you are aware of someone among us who might be grateful for some assistance, has a milestone we should celebrate, or a loss we should share or acknowledge, please let us know.
How you can be part of the team:
You can be part of our effort by becoming a Pastoral Care Volunteer. Volunteer a small amount of your time and energy to provide someone with a ride, run occasional errands, make and/or deliver a meal, or make a visit. Pastoral Care Team coordinators email or call volunteers with specific requests. If the request doesn’t fit with your schedule, they will contact someone else on the list, and ask you again another time.
Just send an email to the office (
Sharing Joys and Sorrows
Pastoral Care is closely related to the joys and sorrows that we experience throughout our lives and we invite congregants to share their joys and sorrows directly with the Pastoral Care Team. Our congregation occasionally offers a Joys and Sorrows ‘Candle Lighting ritual’ during a Sunday Service. If you have a Joy or Sorrow that you would like to share during the next Candle Lighting ritual, you are invited to fill out a J&S form at any time. An online form is available, or paper forms can be found at the entrance to the Great Hall. Dates for future Candle Lighting rituals will be announced in the Sunday Times and the Order of Meeting. Contact
Community Resources
We try to stay informed about and to publicize community resources and programs that may be of interest. This is a partial listing. Please call or email the minister if you have a specific question or need.
Caregiver Support Groups
Jewish Family Services offers free support groups for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Virtual meetings are held Mondays 11:00 AM -12:30 PM and Tuesdays 10-11:30 AM. FMI contact Cathy Chandler LICSW:
Services for Elders and Persons with Disabilities:
Caring for an aging or disabled parent, relative, or close friend presents difficult challenges. It's not anything anyone wants to think about but planning ahead is important. If your loved one's medical needs grow too extensive to handle on your own, you might consider looking for a long-term care facility. Here are a few helpful resources from the Northampton Senior Center.
Other Services
Therapists
If you have a primary care physician that person may have resources to help you find a therapist. You can also search for a therapist on your own.
ServiceNet
ServiceNet’s programs include outpatient behavioral health services; adolescent support programs; early intervention for young children; home health care; rehabilitation and residential programs for those with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or addictions; and shelter and housing services for the homeless. Reduced fee programs are available. www.servicenet.org or (413) 585-1300.