Caring in Community is Foundational
to the Christian Faith
There are many ways to both provide care and receive it at UCC Keene. Our goal is to respond to your unique spiritual needs, to embody the words “love lives here” as life challenges arise.
Stephen Ministry
For twenty-five years, the UCC has participated in the internationally renowned Stephen Ministry program. After extensive training and supervision, members of this volunteer team provide one-on-one spiritual care to members and friends experiencing life events and challenges, including transitions related to aging, illness, or other circumstances in which one-on-one care would provide comfort. We are so fortunate to have an outstanding group of Stephen Ministers available for care. Please contact Pastor Cindy to learn more about the Program or if you are needing support.
Visitation Team
Members of the UCC Keene Visitation Team make phone calls and visits to those in need of friendship, prayer, and basic spiritual support. This includes calls and visits to those in care homes, hospitals, and individuals living alone.
Greeting Card Ministry
Volunteers in this group send cards and notes to those who are alone, in care residences, ill, grieving, celebrating a special event, or experiencing a life challenge. This is a completely virtual ministry. Notices regarding card recipients are sent each month via email. Participation is always voluntary. Cards and stamps are provided, if needed.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Members of our Crafting with Care group knit (and crotchet) prayer shawls. Once blessed, these beautiful shawls are given to members and friends in need of care and comfort. Everyone is invited to join us the 4th Wednesday of each month from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Beginner knitters are always welcome! (Temporarily suspended due to COVID)
Circle of Caring Ministry
Volunteers in this group coordinate meals, arrange rides, run errands, and provide other, short-term services to members and friends of the Church.
Guideline for End-of-Life Planning
Getting your affairs in order is a wise idea for you and an important gift for your loved ones. The Stewardship Team at UCC-Keene offer this guideline for End-of-Life Planning to begin this process, no matter your circumstances. While each person is unique, some basic steps apply to all. End-of-Life Planning is an act of love and an act of responsibility
As you read through this guideline for End-of-Life Planning, you may already have items on the checklist. You’ll find tips and steps to organize your personal, financial, and medical information. There will be in-person presentations at UCC-Keene in coming months to discuss this process, if that will help you. UCC-Keene is caring for you from cradle to grave.
On-Site Support Services
Maps Counseling Services
Located on the third floor of our Vernon Street annex, Maps Counseling Services is a professional Counseling Center with locations in Keene and Peterborough. Founded at the UCC in 1973, Maps is an independent, non-profit organization committed to ensuring that effective counseling and psychotherapy services are available to everyone in the Monadnock Region regardless of income or financial resources. Its licensed therapists practice the professional integration of psychotherapy and spirituality with the goal of helping each client find meaningful solutions to life’s problems.
Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon
AA Came to Believe Group, Saturdays, 7:30 – 8:45 pm in the Church Dining Room. Learn More
Al-Anon Thursday Noontime Family Group, Thursdays from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in the Church Parlor. Learn More
