CREATING COMMUNITY

There are three activities that are absolutely vital in the creation of a community. The first is eating together around the same table. 


The second is praying together. 


And the third is celebrating together. By celebrating I mean to laugh, to fool around, to have fun, to give thanks together for life. 


When we are laughing together with belly laughs we are all the same. 



Jean Vanier in "Living Gently in a Violent World,"

ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS

Local journalist Frances Willick wrote a piece on the neighbourhood our church ministers in.  She had a front page article today in the Windsor Star.  Check it out:

http://www.windsorstar.com/Drouillard+Road+Down/3316330/story.html

PRAYING PUBLICLY AT CIVIC GATHERINGS

There are times when I’ve been asked to pray at a public event in the community.  I consider it to be a privilege and want to pray sensitively to the audience, but direct the words to God.

As a Christian, how am I to pray in these situations?

Here’s my current list of conscientious prayer reminders:

1.  Don’t show off.  Jesus chided the Pharisees for using prayer as a way to brag about their spirituality.  No trumpets on the street corner.

2. Keep the prayer appropriate to the request for it.  Who is asking you to pray and why?  In addition to the public prayer, I can always pray privately about how God wants to use me in the gathering as I meet people.

3. Pray to the God you know.  In multi-faith environments, there may be an expectation that you will pray to a generic God that fits all religions.  While there may be a sensitivity to all faith groups gathered, you represent your own faith group and that should be expected.  Pray intelligently in words that specifically address your God and are respectful and redemptive to all present.

4.  Pray and act as God’s ambassador.  You are representing in these situations and it’s more important that you are humble and approach with a servant’s heart.  This is not your opportunity to set the agenda of the gathering.

I was recently invited to say grace at the dedication of a new power plant producing cleaner, more efficient electricity.  It was held at the reception center of Hiram Walker distillery and was stacked with community leaders, industrial magnates and politicians.  I sit on a neighborhood redevelopment committee that received $300,000 from the new project to improve the environment.

Here’s the grace I prayed before the meal:

To the One who dwells in the Holy City, the Almighty Sovereign of Creation, we give thanks for this day of new beginnings and generous blessings.

May these good works and accomplishments that we celebrate be a reminder of your provision and compassion for people everywhere.  May we be inspired to new acts of justice and mercy, thoughtful connections and inspired vision.

Help us to see how kindness and generosity can empower our neighbors to live with ‘Shalom’ towards one another.

For this food, for our civic officials and leaders of industry and community, we give thanks.

Amen

THE POWER OF POTLUCK PRESENCE

When it comes to helping the poor, many people are moved to acts of charity and the support of justice initiatives.  Ruth Wilkinson writes about a third response to the poor in ‘presence’.

She is involved in a ministry that provides potluck dinners to residents of a rundown motel in a small town.

Read her wise thoughts here:

http://sgworship.blogspot.com/2009/12/adventure.html

PAUL MCMULLEN - MINISTRY TO SENIORS

Paul McMullen, chaplain at the Harold and Grace Baker Centre in Toronto, ON  recommends simple activities for volunteers who want to connect with residents who feel forgotten by family and friends.

“A layperson can connect with seniors simply by pushing a wheelchair, sitting down with a resident for a meal or just by listening.”

There are many ways to get involved: reading to residents, helping to write a letter, playing board games or bringing in a pet when you visit.

It doesn’t have to be complicated.  A short discussion with a chaplain or staff member is all that is needed to find an appropriate activity, speaking to the resident personally.  The opportunities and needs are many, even at homes that can afford an activity program.  Arthritics may be left out of a craft activity.  That is where one on one is so vital.  Once a need is identified, volunteering doesn’t require a major time commitment, although consistency is important.  If a resident knows you are coming they have something to look forward to.

Failing heath presents certain barriers, but here are some tips to follow for effective communication and participation.
Kneel down to their level if they are in a wheelchair.

Look directly at them and identify yourself.  Residents want to see your face and your lips moving.  They want to see you.

You need to adapt to special needs.  If there is a hearing problem get closer and determine what ear is better by asking.  If partially blind or totally blind touch is so important for the senior.  Don’t be afraid to put your hand gently around their shoulder (remember their bones are fragile)

Touch is so important, yet they can be so fragile.  A senior wants to know they are still valuable and useful.  By holding their hand or putting your arm around them increases blood flow and heart hate which is very therapeutic.  I sometimes give a gentle kiss on the forehead to show that they are loveable.

Some may think that dialogue may be difficult.  Let the senior do the talking.  I have learned that the best education learned outside of the classroom is sitting at the side of a senior.

I also recommend a gentle approach, anchored in humility.  We want to see people come to the Lord or rejuvenate a relationship with Him.  We must be living witnesses of the work He has done in our own lives.  You need to earn the opportunity.  Then you will have opportunity to present the gospel.

Ministry in long term care extends far beyond the resident.  Remember that family members are also in pain.  Sometime they are feeling guilty for have to put them their, even though there may not have been a choice.  We need to realize that this is mom or dad’s last home before eternity.  Don’t forget the staff members who look after the residents.  Some get very close and when one in their care passes away it can be extremely difficult for them also.

Surprisingly, even with death and pain hovering nearby, Chaplaincy and volunteering is usually a great blessing.  As for the volunteer they get more out of it, so I have heard some say, than the senior or the family member.

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(originally published in Faith Today)
Available for speaking to church groups, clubs or organization regarding Ministry in Long term care.
Paul McMullen 416-743-5101 or email chaplainpm@rogers.com