Tours and Introductions

                                                                                                

St. Paul’s Senior Services

Week 1:           Tours and Introductions

St. Paul’s Senior Services has generously welcomed me for field placement this summer. Lead Chaplain Jason Samuel has taken me under his wing with energy and enthusiasm. I’m starting a bit late due to various bumps on the road, but now it’s smooth going. My calendar is set, the commute logistics are configured, and only parking remains to keep me on my toes. Finding a non-metered, non-time-limited space is a competitive sport in the neighborhood around the core sites of this multi-faceted organization. The goal is to avoid long hikes. On the other hand, they are a good cardio fitness boost! So maybe I should welcome them. This is an example of how the ministry ministers back—you get more than you give.

So far, I’ve visited all the sites but one, not counting those serving the recently homeless. I’ve attended two Eucharist services and one worship service in memory care and one is adult daycare. The participants at the two worship services enjoy singing and hearing scripture. I’ve toured the accessible areas of the sites and met the staff who can direct me to activity locations, explain what’s going on, and make introductions to residents and others. It’s a lot to take in!

The highlight of this first week resulted from an unexpected on-my-own day. At the Villa—assisted living and memory care—I discovered a fun activity just beginning. Inspired by the theme “Christmas in June”, the participants were invited to make small “gingerbread houses” from graham crackers, frosting “glue”, and an assortment of small candies for decorating. I sat nearby to watch, but was quickly drawn in. Being a crafty type, I had ideas about the tasks of getting the cracker walls and roof to hold up. With trial and error, I first figured out that the walls needed to be “glued” to the paper plates first if they were ever going to stand up. Some other things we learned together:

·     Too much frosting soaks the crackers and they collapse into a gummy mess

·     Sticky fingers pull apart what you just tried to stick together

·     Keep trying, it may stick next time

·     Laugh when the ceiling falls in and when the walls collapse and when your fingers are covered in frosting “glue” because it really is funny

·     Messy crafts are more fun when you can eat the craft supplies

·     The laughter is the fun part

I had to ask myself, “is this proper ministry for a chaplain?” The answer is, “Yes! Definitely yes!” I call it sweet laughing ministry. I’m putting it on my schedule every week! Some of you readers may have attended a Laughter Therapy session that was popular a few years ago. The craft time above reminded me of those. Laughter generates more laughter and lightens heavy loads. 

This week closed with looking ahead: What tasks can I take on weekly to support the work of pastoral care? How can my expertise and gifts be used to enrich the offerings to the residents and participants? How can I support and learn from the entire chaplaincy team?