Pastoral Care

My work as an HIV Prevention Counselor provides the foundation for my work in pastoral care. This commitment to emotional and spiritual care deepened during my time as a hospital chaplain. I firmly believe that we are healthier, happier, and able to take on the work of social justice when we are spiritually whole. Pastoral care involves listening deeply to another--being fully present to them in that moment.

I do not believe that only ministers can provide pastoral care. I see my role in a congregation as not only providing pastoral care for those facing times of crisis and uncertainty, but also helping lay leaders to provide a caring presence to those in need. At UUCF, I started a Grief Group along with re-organizing the almost non-existent pastoral program in place. At Mt. Diablo, I led the Pastoral Visitors Program alongside Rev. Takahashi. We met regularly with our lay pastoral team, offering them support and practical advice in their work in pastoral care. Under my leadership, we created a Listening Presence Program through which our Pastoral Visitors provided spiritual care to those in need on Sunday mornings.

Whether it's home visits, hospital visits, in-office consultations, or simply a chat on the patio, I believe a minister must always be ready to provide a warm, nurturing, caring presence.