Pastor
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Appointments: In times of challenge, transition, illness, and loss, members are invited to make office appointments to meet with me one-on-one. I have set up a calendar app to make it easier: www.calendly.com/alisonmiller.
Pastoral Care Team: In mid-size and large congregations, the pastoral needs of a community are a shared ministry. Currently, I work with our ministerial intern, our affiliated community minister, and lay leaders to address the spectrum of caring needs in our congregation, including pastoral, hospital visits, connecting people with social services, meals, rides, and cards.
Pastoring in a Pandemic
During the first six months of the pandemic, there was an especially palpable need to process, connect, and heal. I hosted morning healing circles (thirty minutes twice a month on Zoom). I also co-facilitated evening renewal circles with staff members and/or lay leaders (an hour once a month on Zoom). This provided an open space for people to come whenever they felt like it.
Our care team also worked to call members, especially elders and those who live alone, to be sure that people knew there was help should they need it and a friendly voice when they wanted that.
When members or their immediate family (parents, siblings, children) passed away during the pandemic, we lit a memorial candle and shared a brief tribute during the pre-recorded service. This was so important especially during the first few months to provide a kind of public memorial moment. COVID-19 hit New Jersey pretty hard right from the start.
Public Pastor
During my time in Morristown, I have become a public pastor for the wider community. I am frequently called upon to speak, to lead prayers, to create vigils, to be a faithful presence in a time of sorrow and/or injustice. It is humbling to know that my ministry touches so many hearts, minds, and spirits. I am grateful to be able to show up with my interfaith colleagues and other community leaders to respond.
Vigil Speaker
