Pastoral Care

We need one another when we mourn and would be comforted.
We need one another when we are in trouble and afraid.
We need one another when we are in despair, in temptation,
and need to be recalled to our best selves.
We need one another when we come to die,
and would have gentle hands to prepare us for the journey.
All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us.
George E. O’Dell

engraved paver: To everything there is a season to every purpose under Heaven

We offer a three-fold, team-based approach to pastoral care, building on the interchange of friendship and the overall support of a caring congregation. If you are in a place in your life where you feel the need of a little extra support, please feel welcome to contact us by one of these routes:

Pastoral Associates

Pastoral Associates are trained volunteers who strive to be a listening ear for members of the congregation and their families in times of need and challenge, including those of a chronic or long-term nature. Working in close relationship with the minister, Pastoral Associates also maintain connection with members who are home bound or in assisted living, as well as those who are in the hospital or hospice. Pastoral Associates provide active listening and support in a confidential manner, which can be a source of strength and empowerment. The Pastoral Associates work in close consultation with the minister.

If you feel you could benefit from Pastoral Associate assistance, contact the minister at minister@uusat.org.

If you would like to volunteer to be a Pastoral Associate, complete the Pastoral Associate Application.  Return the completed application to our minister at the church office, 7150 W. Interstate 10, San Antonio, TX 78213.

Member Care

The Member Care team provides short-term practical support in times of need, including but not limited to meals for a family when someone is hospitalized, obtaining rides to church or to medical appointments. The team helps members connect with external resources as needed and involves the congregation as appropriate. Member Care also assists with receptions as needed for members’ memorial services.  If you need assistance from the Member Care team or would like to volunteer to be part of the team, contact the Member Care chair at membcare@uusat.org.

Our Minister

Members and their families are welcome to contact our minister for short-term pastoral counseling on a totally confidential basis. Examples of matters you might choose to share with the minister are grief and change, retirement, relationship crises, job loss, medical or family concerns or end of life issues.  Contact our minister at minister@uusat.org.

Life Transitions Form

Help your church be there for you in times of crisis or life transition. Complete the Life Transition Form below, as little or as much as you feel comfortable.  It will be sent to the Minister to be held in complete confidence until needed.

Life Transitions: Help your church be there for you in time of crisis or transition.
Please complete as little or as much of this form as you feel comfortable. You are encouraged to make an appointment with the minister to discuss the details of your wishes.
Name:
Address:
Phone:
-
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
Spouse/Partner's Name:
Spouse/Partner's Phone:
Spouse/Partner's Email:
Child's Name:
Child's Address:
Child's Phone:
-
Child's E-mail:
If you have more than one child, use this box to add the additional children's name(s), address(es), phone #(s), and email(s).
Family Doctor's Name & Phone #:
Who should we contact in case of crisis? Include name, phone #, and email.
Are you a veteran?
Veterans – please help your church to be there for you – tell us more about your service below.
Do you have a living will and/or health care power of attorney?
Who has access to these documents?
Your answers to these next questions could helpyour church respond to your wishes in the event of your death.
Is your preference for:
Have you made prior arrangements for any of the above?
If yes, who has access to this information?
Which funeral home/memorial society would you prefer?
Special requests for funeral/memorial service:
Conducted by:
Name, Phone #, & Email of Other preferred officiant:
Other persons you would like to be invited to speak?
Music, hymns, poetry, or scripture to be included?
If possible, please attach text of your requested poems.
Is there something you do not want to happen or be said at the service?
Do you have a preferred recipient for memorial gifts?
Preferred recipient of memorial gifts?
Have you prepared written instructions or more complete information than given here?
If yes, where are they located and/or who knows about them?
These questions will be of particular interest to veterans.
What branch of service were you in?
What were the dates of your service?
What did you do in the military?
Did you serve in a combat area?
If yes, what were your duties?
Do you wish to have a military Honor Guard at your funeral/memorial service?
If yes, who would be the most knowledgeable about your service to coordinate the Honor Guard?
Is there a fellow service member you would like to assist with the Honor Guard or other aspects of your service?
If yes, list name, address, email, & phone # of fellow service member.
Who should receive your American flag?
Do you belong to a Veteran's group?
If yes, which one?
Where is your DD214 (discharge form) located and who has access to it?
Would you wish to be buried/interred in a cemetery specifically for veterans?
Use this space to share any favorite military stories you would like told at the funeral/memorial service.
Use this space to note anything else you would like people to know about you related to your service.
Online resources can help conceptualize, organize, and plan for life transitions. Two examples are listed without endorsement, solely for your information:
This article from the New York Times discusses “end of life planning” and related “document storage.” It references several commercial sites: Neubecker, Robert, “Navigating the Logistics of Death Ahead of Time.” YOUR MONEY, 28 March 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/29/your-money/navigating-the-logistics-of-death-ahead-of-time.html?_r=0
Funeral Consumers Alliance – described on its website as “a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting a consumer’s right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral.” http://www.funerals.org. The San Antonio Chapter may be found at http://funeraladvicesatx.org.
Please use this space to share any information you wish for us to know that is not covered elsewhere on this form.