STAFF AND PASTORAL CARE
WHO ARE THE MINISTERS? You are. Congregationalists believe that
all people are equal in the sight of Christ and that we need no
mediators between ourselves and God other than Christ. In this regard,
we all have a role in being ministers to each other.
CLERGY STAFF. Rockland Congregational Church follows the
tradition of Congregationalism in valuing a learned clergy. By their
special seminary training, they facilitate our spiritual journeys and
understandings. The Clergy who serve this church are seminary educated
through the Masters Degree level or higher or are currently working to
complete the Master of Divinity Degree.
OTHER STAFF. Each person employed by Rockland Congregational
Church approaches his or her job in the spirit of ministry. The Minister
of Music oversees the music programs of the church. The Parish Nurse
concentrates on health issues of the congregation. The Office Manager
facilitates communication between the volunteer boards and committees
and the Sexton ensures a church that is clean and inviting to all who
enter.
WORKING AS A TEAM. With the exception of the Sexton, all staff
meet regularly to coordinate issues of pastoral care in the church.
Staff regularly share information with each other about pastoral
concerns to better coordinate our care for the church. Pastoral concerns
are treated with professional confidentiality within the team.
COUNSELING. All members are encouraged to contact a pastor
whenever they need to seek out practical advice or spiritual counsel.
The clergy are available to meet with you at the office, and, in unusual
circumstances, in your home. Your clergy are not licensed counselors but
can help you identify concerns and refer you to appropriate sources.
PASTORAL VISITATION. The clergy regularly visit members and
friends admitted to the hospital, those who are residing in nursing
homes and who are shut-in at home. Home communion is available to those
who by reason of health are unable to attend worship services. Visits
are also made when other crises assert themselves and clergy presence is
desired.
THE VISITATION TEAM is comprised of caring members of the
congregation who are committed to visiting those who are lonely, shut-in
or otherwise in need of attention. They work closely with the pastors
and parish nurse to see that adequate care and attention is given to
those in need.
YOUR ROLE. In the Christian community, we look out for each
other. You can facilitate pastoral care by joining the visitation team
(all are welcome) or by letting the office know when you or someone else
enters the hospital, is admitted to a nursing home or is home-bound due
to illness or accident. Don’t be shy of picking up the phone either for
yourself or on behalf of someone else (with their permission). One
should be mindful of only passing along information which helps and does
not disrespect a person.
Sometimes, you will receive information from a person that they want
“kept quiet.” If you think the clergy can be of help, ask that person’s
permission to call on their behalf. If given a “yes,” call immediately.
If given a “no,” respect their right to privacy.
Together, we can embody the love of Christ through our care for each
other.
OUTREACH AND PROGRAMS
A DECISION OF FAITH. We believe the joy of the good news of Jesus
Christ is for all people and we seek to be examples of his ways through
outreach to individuals, the community, and mission endeavors. 10% of
all pledge monies received is dedicated to our mission outreach program.
Additional donations are always welcome. Mission outreach support is
given to local charities, and national and international missions.
Throughout the year, special appeals are held for specific projects.
PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND. The Senior Pastor maintains a
discretionary fund to help persons who find themselves in personal
crisis. This is one of many ways we respond to Jesus’ command to feed
the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty and provide
shelter to the stranger. (Matthew 25:31 ff.) The discretionary fund is
financed through the mission budget and by individual donations.
CHURCH CAMP. This church supports a Christian summer camp for
youth in grades 5 to 12, both financially and through staff volunteer
commitments, in a cooperative effort with the Congregational Christian
Council of Maine, providing a formative spiritual experience for over
150 youth each year.
A TRUE MEETING HOUSE. Early Congregationalists viewed their place
of worship as a meeting house which also served to hold town and other
meetings. In that spirit, we open our church to a variety of community
groups for a nominal fee or donation.
PROGRAMS GALORE!
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - for children and adults to grow in faith. Sunday
School is held September through June for youth. A one week bible school
is offered in the summer. Adults gather regularly for discussion of the
previous week’s sermon, Bible and book study.
• MUSIC - Vocal choirs and bell choirs offer opportunities for people to
express glory to God through the art of music. The Minister of Music
uses musical participation as an occasion to increase spiritual
knowledge.
• PARISH NURSE - Draws upon the healing heritage of the Christian
tradition and provides education, counseling, advocacy and referrals for
the congregation’s health concerns.
• FELLOWSHIP GROUPS - Provided for all women through the Ladies’ Guild
and to youth through Youth Groups. All Church suppers provide
opportunities for wider fellowship.
RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE CONGREGATION TODAY. All programs
attempt to respond to contemporary needs and realities and therefore
change over time. All that we offer has spiritual faithfulness as its
primary concern. Each program is successful only through the volunteers
who commit to its happening and by the people who participate. Do you
have a good idea? Let us know!
This is your church. Make it into something glorious for God and
share the faith with others! |
Staff and Pastoral Care