Sep 12, 2024
In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Jean Ann Powers, Director of Pastoral Care, to dive into the heart of her ministry at the church. Jean Ann shares the incredible work of her 125+ volunteers, describing them as the "foot soldiers" who bring warmth, connection, and care to the congregation. She talks about the importance of matching volunteers with roles that resonate with their hearts and the crucial role of self-care for those who give their time.
A major focus of this conversation is the launch of a new program called Unforgettable Friends, a volunteer-driven day program for members of the church with mild to moderate dementia. Jean Ann explains how this initiative not only supports those living with memory loss but also provides a much-needed respite for caregivers. Inspired by similar programs, Jean Ann is excited to create a space where participants find joy, connection, and healing.
This episode is full of heartfelt insights into pastoral care, volunteerism, and the transformative power of community engagement. Tune in to learn more about this exciting new initiative and how you can get involved!
Learn more about participating or volunteering with Unforgettable Friends: https://dallasuu.org/unforgettablefriends/
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Back - Tiny
Pulpit Talks returns after summer break; introduction to Jean Ann
Powers, Director of Pastoral Care.
01:11 - Jean Ann’s Role in the Church - Jean Ann
discusses her role as the Director of Pastoral Care since 2012,
focusing on personalized care for church members.
01:53 - Volunteer Work in Pastoral Care -
Discussion about the 125+ pastoral care volunteers and the profound
impact they have on the community.
03:26 - How to Get Involved in Volunteering -
Insights on how new members can get involved in pastoral care, with
an emphasis on matching individuals to roles they resonate
with.
04:25 - The Importance of Self-Care for Volunteers
- Jean Ann highlights the significance of self-care for
volunteers and encourages flexibility when commitments become
overwhelming.
05:37 - The Intersection of Music and Care - Jean
Ann talks about the connection between her love for music and her
pastoral care work, and the emotional connection music creates.
06:59 - Addressing Dementia and Memory Loss in the
Community - Introduction to the new initiative
"Unforgettable Friends," a day program for members with mild to
moderate dementia.
09:25 - Call for Volunteers and Community Collaboration
- Discussion about the need for volunteers and the
collaborative efforts across different churches in the community to
support the initiative.
11:38 - Spiritual Impact of Caring for Others -
Reflection on the spiritual importance of caring for elders and
building common ground across denominations for compassionate
care.
13:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action - Final
thoughts on the excitement for the new program, encouraging
listeners to volunteer and stay connected with Tiny Pulpit
Talks.
Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
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