At Main Line Unitarian Church, we believe care is part of spiritual community. In times of illness, grief, transition, or stress, you do not have to navigate alone.
Our Congregational Care Team offers confidential, compassionate support grounded in our Unitarian Universalist faith.
Congregational Care Team
The Congregational Care Team is led by our Congregational Life Coordinator, who coordinates our efforts and, together with our Senior Minister offers pastoral care and a compassionate presence to all. The Lay Chaplains, also part of the team, are trained volunteers who provide one-on-one listening, steady support, and spiritual companionship during challenging times or significant life changes.
Lay Chaplains offer short-term, supportive conversations. They are not therapists or crisis counselors, but caring members of the congregation committed to attentive, confidential support.
How to Request Pastoral Care
If you would like to meet with a Lay Chaplain—or are unsure what kind of support you need—please complete the Request Pastoral Care Form.
After you submit the form, our Congregational Life Coordinator will follow up and connect you with the appropriate person. Depending on your situation, that may be a Lay Chaplain, Yvette, or Senior Minister Rev. John Morehouse.
Using the form helps us:
- Respond promptly
- Match you with the right support
- Respect volunteer time and capacity
Healthy Boundaries
Our Lay Chaplains are committed volunteers who each offer approximately five hours of care per month. Routing all requests through the form ensures that no one is overextended and that care is distributed fairly and thoughtfully.
We ask that congregants not contact Lay Chaplains directly for pastoral support, but instead use the request form so we can coordinate care responsibly.
When to Seek Other Support
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need urgent clinical care, please contact a licensed mental health professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Lay Chaplains provide spiritual and congregational support but are not equipped for emergency intervention.