One of the integral parts of being in a community together is giving and receiving support. It requires constant replenishing, as we experience changes in our membership or changes to our individual circumstances or health.  There are times in our lives where we need more help and other times when we have the space to offer more to others. 

As members of the WES pastoral care associates team, our main functions are to be empathetic listeners to the needs of members, and then serve as the connector to people or organizations who may be able to offer assistance. Whether for meals, rides, or some other support, when we pull together as a community we can make a difference to the individual. We also see how essential it is to take care of each other in the community so that we have a strong foundation to be able to go out and do important tough work in the world. Like the instructions on a plane to put your oxygen mask on first before you help others, creating a healthy base of support at WES allows us all to better take on the challenges in the world we face.

Some of the practical aspects of how to access care in our community include reaching out to Amanda or any member of the pastoral care team with a need for you or another member of the community. If you need counseling, Amanda is trained to offer it, as is Kären Rasmussen, the clergy leader who is filling in while Amanda is on sabbatical.  They and others on our team will do what we can to meet your needs or to refer you to an appropriate resource.  If you wish, we will share that need in a Caring News that goes out to the WES community, using language that you approve.  Common requests are for meals or rides, but we can also offer a shoulder to lean on.  If you know of a member who could use some support, please let one of us know and we will reach out.  In addition to the two of us and Amanda, our team includes Shelagh Bocoum, Rose Imhoff, Justine Johnson, and Joh Klein.

Thank you for helping us create a trusting, supportive community.

Beth Baker and Bryan Pashigian, on behalf of the Pastoral Care Associates team