Program Overview

A goal of the Fellowship is to be a nurturing environment that provides a variety of opportunities for deepening our lives. The Lay Ministry Program was developed to assist in providing a deeper and broader level of care.

Who Are the Lay Ministers?

The Lay Ministers are members of the Fellowship who volunteer their time and energies to act as extensions of the professional ministry of our Fellowship. These Lay Ministers have successfully completed a thorough training process and have made a commitment of at least two years to the program. 

What Do Lay Ministers Do?

 
A primary focus for the Lay Ministers is to provide a compassionate ear for people struggling with various life issues. This support is offered through the ministry of compassionate listening.

Need to talk? The Fellowship Lay Ministers are here to listen.

Life’s challenges can be tough, and we all can use a listening ear from time to time. The Lay Ministers of the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are available to listen in a supportive and helpful way.

The Lay Ministry team has been trained in compassionate listening skills under a carefully supervised program. Each member of the Lay Ministry Team has made a significant commitment to providing support through the ministry of compassionate listening.

Lay Ministers are available to provide a compassionate ear for people struggling with various life issues, including situations involving:

    * spiritual journeys
    * anxiety
    * addiction
    * relationships
    * sexuality
    * life transitions
    * aging
    * grief
    * depression

Please remember that while Lay Ministers are trained in compassionate listening, they are not professional counselors. In some cases where it seems that a professional counselor or social service agency might be helpful, the Lay Minister may offer a referral or recommendation. 

In addition to compassionate listening, the Lay Ministers at the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship participate in and/or lead a number of other programs.

These include:
• Worship Leadership

• Support to Neighboring Congregations including Manitowoc, Green Bay, Ripon and Fond du Lac

• Hospital Visits

• Ministry to Seniors

• Youth and Young Adult Ministry

• Memorial Services Support

• Covenant Group Facilitation

• End of Life Decision Making

How Do I Contact a Lay Minister?

If you feel as though it might be helpful to talk with a Lay Minister, please call Jason Seymour, Interim Assistant Minister, at 920-731-0849. Your absolute confidentiality is assured.

In addition, please feel free to approach any Lay Minister directly -- they are the ones with the welcoming smile and have Lay Ministry nametags.