The Caring Connection

What is the Caring Connection?

For over twenty years, the Caring Connection has offered occasional preaching and worship leadership by experienced volunteer clergy that provides solo pastors the means of respite from the constant pressures of parish ministry. There is no cost to anyone; volunteers make this work.

How Does the Caring Connection support solo pastors?

We know that pastors tend to overwork themselves. As encouragement for self-care, we offer the opportunity for a solo pastor to take two consecutive days off over and above his or her vacation and continuing education time. The days away are NOT vacation days; instead, they are occasions for guest leadership for your congregation's worship.

Who are the Volunteers?

Clergy from multiple staffs, those in non-parish settings, and retired clergy volunteer their services to make such opportunities available. Because of their generosity, the Leadership Development Workgroup can offer this service to its solo pastors.

How Does a Pastor Sign-up?

A solo pastor may make one or two requests in any twelve-month period. Requests should be made no more than one month before the desired date.
Written or electronic information should be made to the Presbytery, c/o Caring Connection. You can fill out the electronic form below, which will be forwarded to the coordinating team. You can also email the information to Sue Goodspeed, at sgoodsp@ties2.net.

Are There Any Restrictions?

Although the coordinating team will make every attempt to fill your request, there maybe times when no volunteer clergy are available. The Caring Connection will not fill requests for holiday weekends, as they are hard, if not impossible, to fill.
If you need names of clergy ready to provide reimbursed pulpit supply to cover vacations, continuing education time, or sick leave, please refer to the Presbytery's "Pulpit Supply List." These situations are not handled by Caring Connection.