People trust me to accompany them through difficult chapters in their lives. In the interest of confidentiality, the following composite scenarios are examples of pastoral care:
- a congregant lights a candle during Joys and Sorrows about the loss of a loved one; they speak with me after worship during coffee hour
- a young adult reaches out to me via text, concerned about his recent realizations regarding his mental health; we check-in periodically
- the parents of three kids email me about their ongoing grief over the death of their infant years ago; I provide limited spiritual direction and also offer referrals
When someone is experiencing loss, lament, fear, frustration, or any number of other human emotions, I am available to hear people’s stories with compassion, as a companion on their life journey.
Whether I am visiting a congregant in the hospital or writing a card of condolence, I offer a presence filled with loving kindness, knowing I am there to bear witness — and not to “fix” anything or anyone.
“Carin has excellent instincts and helpful intuition into human complexity. Her presence inspires a sense of comfort and openness.“