Caring For Each Other

Pastoral Care Action Team (PCAT)

The Pastoral Care Action Team (PCAT) provides caring support, both spiritual and practical, and opportunities for deeper connection and spiritual growth to all in the congregation, as we move together through the joys and challenges of life’s journey. In addition to developing and running programs throughout the year, PCAT also offers several on-going service and support groups.

Contact: pcat@follen.org.

 

PCAT supports and coordinates the activities of its subgroups as well as a number of support/affinity groups listed below.

 

Serving the Whole Congregation

Covenant Groups Meet once a month in small groups to provide opportunities for spiritual reflection on various themes. Read more about covenant groups.

Lay Ministry Our lay ministers assist the Minister in providing support to individuals who request the need for a caring person who can listen and respond with empathy and understanding.

Volunteer Services Network Provides meals and rides to people in our Congregation who are in need. Read more about VSN or email VSN@Follen.org.

 

Affinity Groups

Men’s Group/Women’s Group Weekly meetings on topics that help us know and be known by others more deeply.

Jewish Heritage Group Gathers monthly to learn about, share personal experiences and celebrate Jewish culture.

 

Support Groups

Child and Family Support Committee Supports families with children and adults with special needs and mental health issues. CFSC page

Support Group for those with Elderly Parents Meets once a month to address the challenges of caring for elderly parents.

Support Group for those with Chronically Ill Partners Meets once a month to address the challenges of caring for chronically ill partners.

Toward Stable Ground (TSG) A support group for those experiencing challenges associated with shifting work and personal lives, including impacts on employment and finances. Contact TSG@follen.org.

Remembrance Gatherings Meets as needed during the church year to provide a ritual for members and friends in the congregation to remember a loved one and to share conversation with others.

 

Support Group Information

If you would like to start a support group, PCAT has set up guidelines and has many helpful resources for you here in this public folder. Anyone who would like to start a group should contact the PCAT Chair at pcat@follen.org.

Resources for the Coronavirus

Simple Tips for Self Care
If you find yourself getting anxious during the day, try the following:

Find a comfortable chair or couch to sit on in a quiet space, if possible.  Begin by placing your feet on the floor and closing your eyes.

Grounding

  • “Ground” yourself in your body by first focusing on your feet flat on the floor. Feel your soles, toes and heels making contact with the floor.
  • Focus on the back of your thighs making contact with the seat of the chair.
  • Notice the weight of your hands resting on your thighs
  • Just rest for a moment in the sensation of the awareness of your body

Breathing

  • Place the ring finger of one hand on your belly button.
  • Next, move the same hand above the belly button and below your breast bone.
  • Take a slow deep breath in through your nose and feel your hand rising as you breathe into your abdomen. Count slowly to 4.
  • Purse your lips and breathe out through your mouth to the count of 8. The extended exhalation allows your body and mind to relax.
  • Repeat for 6-10 breaths.
  • As you breathe into your abdomen, you allow the pent up energy many of us hold in our chest area during periods of anxiety or stress, to RELEASE. Your abdominal area softens.
  • Chest breathing is what gives us headaches, chest discomfort and shoulder tension.
  • Do this exercise at least once a day alone, and with a family member in the house or a friend, neighbor, or family member over the phone.  This daily practice can help with sleep, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate. In addition to good nutrition and exercise, it goes a long way to keep you healthy.

Simple Meditations

www.meditationoasis.com (Free audio recordings on meditation and relaxation)

http://marc.ucla.edu/ (UCLA Mindful Research Center website. Free guided meditations)

www.palousemindfulness.com (Free online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. See the Thich Nhat Hanh Ten Mindful Movements under “Yoga 1”)

The free phone Apps Calm and Insight Timer also contain some calming techniques and meditations.