Caring envisions the congregation as a whole. The
ministries within the purview of Caring are inclusive of the life of
the congregation and the building up of the Body of Christ. Caring is
under the direction of the Senior Minister.
How Westmoreland Can Help
Worship, sacraments, theological education, pastoral
care and healing, spirituality, prayer and meditation, and outreach are
all aspects of Church Life. A Christian church is a caring
community. Our Declaration of Purpose stresses this as a
fundamental element of the covenant which binds us together. In
order to meet the needs of a congregation set in an intense and rapidly
changing urban environment, Westmoreland utilizes a four-part system
which draws on the skills of members as well as the professional
staff. This system allows us to extend support services to all
members of our community who need and desire support. See the "Events Page"
for any upcoming Church Life events.
Called to Care: a UCC umbrella ministry which
encompasses all of our resources for pastoral care. Called to Care has
two recruiting/training sessions a year and subsequent training and
support meetings throughout the year. Westmoreland's Called to Care
System allows busy church members and friends to participate in limited
or predictable ways, supervised and coordinated by the Senior Minister.
It also provides care which is tailored to the specific needs of each
individual or family.
Resources, Communication, and Outreach:
Many people have particular skills, specialties and interests which
assist others in the congregation. These groups of people provide
research, resources, and support for a variety of issues:
Medicare/Medicaid assistance, a geriatric specialist, legal aid,
medical researchers, physicians, librarians. In addition; we have a
group of people who are willing to share their story, and provide
sustaining support with another undergoing particular treatments or a
newly discovered diagnosis.
Pastoral Care and Healing. We face change and
stress in family life, in our work, and in our health and wholeness.
Family crises, losses, and health concerns come to us all. As part of
pastoral care and healing we care for one another on our journeys. The
Elizabeth Tisdal Norbeck Library has books on tape and CD's which may
be helpful. Please call the church office and go to the Library to
borrow one of these items. Books on tape: Everyday Sacred:
A woman's Journey Home, Sue Bender; Anatomy of the Spirit,
Caroline Myss, Ph.D.; Spontaneous Healing, Andrew Weil, M.D.;
and Boundless Energy, Deepak Chopra, M.D. Cassette and CD's:
Breathing: The Master key to Self Healing, Andrew
Weil, M.D.; 8 Meditations for Optimum Healing, Andrew Weil,
M.D.; and Journey Into Healing: Awakening the Wisdom Within You
by Deepak Chopra, M.D. 4 Visualization Tapes by Bellaruth
Napartek: For People with Cancer, For People Undergoing
Chemotherapy, For People Undergoing Radiation, and Stress.
Terrorism and Kids: Comforting your Child, by Fern
Reiss; The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends,
by Helen Fitzgerald; Living a Life That Matters, by Harold S.
Kushner.
Spiritual Life Retreat. At different times of the
year a Spiritual retreat is scheduled at the Jesuit Center for
Spiritual Growth in Pennsylvania. Come, listen to God in the beauty of
nature.
Telephone/Note Writing Team keeps in
touch with the homebound, recognizes major events in community members'
lives, and offers a source of contact and attention when needed.
Lay Visiting and Continuing Care is
provided by members of the congregation who participate in our Pastoral
Care system by visiting isolated or homebound members monthly. Each Lay
Visitor receives training before being paired with a specific
individual or couple. Monthly meetings are held to provide additional
training and support for this essential and rewarding ministry.
We ask that Lay Visitors commit at least one hour a
month to visit a fellow Westmorelander, and another hour to attend the
monthly meeting. This is an important way the church reaches out to
those who've been away from the church due to age, illness, or other
confinement. It is what being a Christian is all about. Other Lay
Visitors provide ad hoc support for those facing specific
issues or crises.
Book Group meets
the second Wednesday of every month (September to June). Call the
church office (301-229-7766) to find out the title of this month's book.
Emergency Care and Neighborhood Support:
The congregation is divided into 15 neighborhoods. These neighborhoods
stretch from Springfield, VA., to Brookeville, MD and from Washington,
D.C., to Gaithersburg, MD. The ministry of the Neighborhood Support is
to reach out to those in each area in times of crisis. Over the years,
this has meant sitting with a family member while another family member
goes to the hospital, respite care, and supplying casseroles to a
family in need. One of the main ministries of Neighborhood Support is
to assist in the reception of a memorial service or funeral at the
church.
Prayer Chain is a way in which to deepen our
common life of prayer. Members of the telephone Prayer Chain use an
intercessory prayer to lift the names and needs of our community each
day. Each name and request offered is confidential and remains on the
list for one month, unless otherwise requested. Contact the church
office for prayer requests.
Prayers Needed
For all of our men and women in the armed services
and their families, especially:
Spec Dustin Angoco, U.S. Army (great-nephew of Dolores
Boynton).
Staff Sgt Cameron Barnett, (Pat Barnett's
great-grandson) serving a second tour.
Corporal Andy Beauchamp
Chaplain Stephen Boyd (pastor of Rich's former church in
Long Beach, CA, soon to return from Qatar)
Major Nathan Cook
Sgt Cam Highfill
Spec Stephen Holt, deployed for a third tour
Sgt Alan Paige (Tina Squire's brother-in-law)
Sgt Lindsey Price, gunner (grand-nephew of Leon and
Maryn Goodson)
Matthew Slater (grandnephew to Dick Slater) deployed to
Afghanistan
Spec Jeffrey Squire (Pat Squire's grandson)
Rev. William Worley, First Reformed UCC in Lancaster, PA
(friend of Kathy Ireland)
If you or someone you know would like to be added
to the prayer list, please contact the church office.
