Lay Ministry
Catalysts For Community
The Lay Ministry Program augments the pastoral work of the Society’s ministers, and promotes the spirit of community through direct service.Lay ministers help by:
- Making calls and visits to ill and hospitalized members.
- Establishing one-on-one partnerships with elderly or disabled members.
- Coordinating care for people with temporary disabilities.
- Collaborating with congregational groups to provide assistance to members.
- Contacting new members and members after major life transitions.
- Coordinating support for families and individuals during transition and dislocation.
- Facilitating support groups, as deemed appropriate by clergy.
- Performing informal peer counseling, when appropriate.
- Providing assistance at funerals and memorial services of members.
- Bringing a discreet but clear pastoral presence to worship services and other congregational events.
In addition, lay ministers meet to share their experiences, discuss the challenges of care-giving, and to learn new helping skills. Lay ministers serve in one of three ministry groups: Membership, Pastoral Care, or Rites of Passage. Persons wishing to serve as a Lay Minister, or who feel they could benefit from this program, should contact Karen Gustafson, 233-9774 ext 124, kareng@fusmadison.org.
