Pastoral and Spiritual Care

Pastoral and Spiritual Care is provided by many individuals in our congregation in addition to the minister.

Lay Spiritual Care Visitors coordinated by Ellen Bell visit members and friends who are home-bound or hospitalized, or in need of a listening ear.
Our Community Minister Linda Goonewardene shares time with members and friends who would like to talk about the joys and challenges of our human journey.

‘We listen, we phone, we bake, we drive’ is the motto of our Caring Network whose shared leadership currently includes Marlene Campbell, Margot Clarke, Alexandra Devine,  Ria Heynen, David Hudson, and Marianne Wood.  The Caring Network has two different contacts for each month that serve as coordinators.  They also provide cards to be signed on Sunday mornings to be sent to members who are ill, or who are experiencing a life transition, be it joyous or sad. 

We also have two facilitators trained in active listening who serve as a resource for anyone who feels angry or upset that our congregational covenant has been breached.  Their first job is to listen to concerns and then determine what next steps are appropriate.  Our current Active Listeners are Ellen Bell and Maggie Sharp.

Rev. Pat Haresch, Developmental Minister
minister@firstunitarianottawa.ca

Rev. Ellen Bell, Spiritual Care Visiting
(613) 831-5205
ellenrbell@gmail.com

Maggie Sharp, Active Listener
greystonetree@gmail.com

Linda Goonewardene, Community Minister
cupotea13@rogers.com