Everyone needs some extra loving support sometimes. Perhaps you are experiencing a career transition, the loss of a job, the birth or adoption of a new baby, the declining health of a parent, the death of a loved one, a challenge in parenting or life-partnership, a prolonged illness or surgery, a spiritual crisis, or some other significant life experience. We are fortunate to be able to offer support and assistance to those in need through both professional and trained lay leaders: Chaplains and Pastoral Associates.
Who are the Pastoral Associates?
The Pastoral Associates (PAs) are lay members of the church who offer confidential, practical and emotional support and spiritual companioning to fellow church members in need. They receive ongoing training and work in conjunction with the professional ministers.
Pastoral Associates: Dick Bailey, Hillary Benham-Baker, Gil Dacumos, Carolyn Devol, Judith Hunt, Tara Noone.
How can a Pastoral Associate help me?
PAs are available to talk to you over the phone or in person. They can be present during a difficult time, provide an opportunity to talk and be heard, offer empathy, emotional and spiritual support, refer you to other sources of support or help, arrange for meals, transportation or other practical assistance. If you are in need of some support from your church community, please contact the church office to be connected with the Pastoral Associate Coordinator or send an email to pastoralcare@uuoakland.org.
How can I be of service?
If you would like to serve as a Pastoral Associate or can provide one-time visits, meals, shopping, transportation or other practical support to another church member, please contact the church office at (510) 893-6129 or office@uuoakland.org, or email Pastoral Associates Coordinator at pastoralcare@uuoakland.org.
Chaplains
First Unitarian Church of Oakland is fortunate to have a number of trained ministers who call the church home. Several of these ministers have agreed to provide pastoral counseling to members of the congregation. They meet with congregants one-on-one. Our chaplains can be contacted at chaplains@uuoakland.org.
Rev. Dan Kane - Dan discovered Unitarian Universalism at our church in the early 1990's. In fact, he experienced his call to ministry during the several years that he served here as a Pastoral Associate and Coordinator of the Pastoral Associate program. He received his Master of Divinity degree, from Starr King School for the Ministry, in 2008. He has served as a chaplain intern and chaplain at Napa State Hospital. Dan has also served as Interim Assistant Minister at Arlington Street Church - Unitarian Universalist, in Boston, and was ordained there in March 2009.
Rev. Nada Velimirovic - Nada is currently a Spiritual Care Counselor at Pathways Hospice in San Francisco. She was ordained by the Unitarian Church of Davis and holds a Masters of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry. She is also a Ph.D. Candidate in Art and Religion at the Graduate Theological Union.
