Care Team
We will care for you, so that one day, you may be able to help care for others.
Care at UUCA
“It was wonderful to have those casseroles after my surgery.” “They supported me in my time of need.” “It is good to have someone who will just listen.”
The above are just a few quotes from members when asked about our team. In addition to providing a listening ear, our team can also assist with rides to medical appointments; food delivery following hospitalization or other crisis; small household tasks; calls and visits during illness; respite care on a limited and time-bound basis.
Our congregation prides itself on being a loving and supportive one. Our minister works with members in our Care Team to nurture a caring and cohesive support system for those in need. Aside from offering the listed services, it can also help organize longer-term support and resources available in the community. If you would like one of the members of the Care Team or our Minister to know about a pastoral care concern you have, or if you would like this concern to be mentioned in the Personal Milestones portion of the service, please fill out this FORM or email the Care Team. If you would like to be contacted, please let us know that too!
UUCA created an End of Life Planning Guide. This is a useful tool to have as you consider both end-of-life issues and/or to ensure your concerns will be heard.
In addition, the minister at UUCA is available to meet for pastoral guidance visits. These visits can take place at the church, at a hospital, in the community, or at home. They are typically short-term sessions of listening, support, and spiritual guidance. The minister does not perform long-term counseling, but may be able to refer you to someone with those skills. To request a visit from Rev. John Crestwell, contact the office or email him directly.
Care Team Member Highlight
Sarah Torell
Sarah is new to UUCA but has been a UU since 2004, in southern MD and then UU Silver Spring. Her mother directed her towards her eventual 42-year career in nursing. She loves her puppy cocker spaniel named Phoebe and enjoys walking, swimming, folk dancing and new grass music. Al Anon is vital in her life, her daughter died from addiction in 2017. Sarah joined the WCT to make new friends and use her deep knowledge of care with our beloved community, and we are grateful!
Mary Ann Stein
Mary Ann Stein is a technical professional turned Wellness Advocate. Following her passion for wellness, she transitioned from the software industry to healthcare where she spent the last 14 years of her career. She was Director of Volunteer Services, Community Outreach and Spiritual Care at Marlborough Hospital and then St. Vincent’s in Massachusetts.
Mary Ann also enjoys a good meal, playing tennis and riding her bike around town.
Jessie Rhines
Jes
sie Rhines, a member of UUCA for a decade now, is a yoga teacher, somatic psychotherapist, and teacher of Faith Formation classes. She and her husband Corey are blessed to be parents to two amazing de-schooling / un-schooling / home-schooling sons, Lucca (12) and Elias (9). Jessie loves the Wellness Care Team because “it is a group focused on the good old-fashioned practice of checking in with one another and offering support during life’s inevitable struggles.”
Judith Newman
Michael Kuiper
Kara Beck
Barbara Green