Care & Support

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.
Women Holding Bible
Stephen Ministry Logo
Visitation Team 2
Visitation Team 1

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.
12CS 3b Greeting Card Ministry 2
12CS 3f Greeting Card Ministry 1
Pile Shawls
Two Women Knitting

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.
Circle of Caring 2
12CS 5F Circle of Caring 2
end of life 4
end of life 3

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.

Learn More

On-Site Support Services

Maps Counseling Services Logo

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.

Learn More
Alcoholics Anonymous Logo

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 

quote mark w
''I fell off my roof and was wheelchair-bound for a winter. With no family closer than 1,000 miles away, it was my Church family that was by my side every step of the way. I feel loved by them for who I am and for what I can become. I am never alone.''
Jennifer
''A Stephen Minister helped me through some difficult times of grief—in the loss of my spouse of 40 years and facing retirement alone. She listened, listened, listened, and guided me through my anger at how my loving God would allow this to happen. I am so grateful that our Church has this ministry.''
Elaine
''I feel God has become a good friend and richly blessed me as I work with our many leaders and members. These experiences working on different Church committees have greatly enhanced my knowledge of what it takes to develop a Church community.''
Lucy

Get Started

Give us a call or fill in the form below and we will contact you. We endeavor to answer all inquiries within 24 hours on business days.