Connect
Caring
Caring
Through Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church’s caring ministries, the congregation realizes two key aspects of our mission: nurturing courage and compassion, and reaching out to each other and our larger community of faith. MDUUC is a supportive community of good people who care for one another, especially through times of change or transition. Here’s how we do it and how you can find the support you need.
The Caring Committee helps extend MDUUC’s loving reach toward members and friends who need logistical assistance. Help with transportation and meals is provided as well as cards and other support in times of difficulty. Volunteers also help with logistics for memorial services. Contacts Jane Russell & Merry Nail .
Elder Journey is a fun, thought-provoking discussion among some of the congregation’s most chronologically gifted members and friends. The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon on second and fourth Wednesdays for lively discussion and fellowship. Rev. Leslie Takahashi prepares the monthly topics and facilitates the discussion. For information, contact Rev. Leslie Takahashi.
Caregiver’s Support Group – Caregiving for a loved one asks a lot of us and can be quite a difficult journey. Support, creativity, and good self-care are essential. MDUUC offers a monthly support group that helps provide open-hearted listening, understanding, and wisdom. We meet on the first Saturday 11 a.m. in the Oak Room. Newcomers to the group who need caregiver support are welcome to join us any time. Any questions should be directed to the group’s facilitator, Rev. Yvonne Schumacher Strejcek, caregiversupport@mduuc.org. Yvonne is a retired UU parish minister, a member of MDUUC, and a caregiver herself.
Harmony Singers is an a cappella chorus of women who sing together to nurture and uplift ourselves and others. We sing simple songs from the Threshold Choir repertoire, rounds, traditional songs, and UU church songs. Our special mission is to coordinate with the Caring Committee to send teams of two or three singers to the homes of church members who are homebound or healing. To find out more, contact Pat Gonsalves, director.
Pastoral Visitors provide one-on-one, confidential support for members and friends who can use a listening presence. Meetings occur at the convenience of the visitor and the person being visited, and they can be used as short-term sounding board or part of long-term support. People who are facing health issues, life transitions, or mobility limitations or who just need a place to be heard find these connections invaluable. Visitors are trained and supported by the ministers. Contact Trish Allard & Carol Fiddler Hasse .
The Grief Support group is a drop-in, monthly conversation for those who have experienced the death of someone close. The group meets monthly on the first Friday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. and is led by Rev. Leslie Takahashi.
The Transitions Support group is a drop-in, monthly conversation for members and friends who are experiencing a life transition such as job change or loss, divorce or relationship change, or age-related disability and would benefit from an opportunity to discuss the challenges they face. For information, contact Rev. Leslie Takahashi.
Clarity Circles provide individuals facing a personal problem, question, or decision with a group process that taps into the discerning guidance of their own inner voice of truth. Clarity Circles are rigorously confidential to protect the identity and integrity of everyone involved. For further information, contact Jo Gelinas.