#Chaplaincy

[fratresdei]

Welcome to week six of the FAQ o’ the week series! Follow for weekly answers to questions about spiritual direction, bodywork, meditation, burnout care, ecstatic dance, spiritual direction supervision, and more. Today's question is: How is spiritual direction different from chaplaincy?

As someone who has served as a hospital chaplain, a hospice chaplain, and a spiritual director, I think chaplaincy and spiritual direction are close cousins. So close, that I sometimes think the two terms could be used interchangeably. (I’d be interested to hear any hot takes from other chaplains or spiritual directors about that.) I had a friend who once jokingly described spiritual direction as “chaplaincy for people who aren’t in crisis,” and I honestly struggle to find a better definition.

While spiritual direction certainly can provide care for people in crisis, the context for spiritual direction is typically less specific than that of chaplaincy. With plenty of exceptions, chaplaincy usually is practiced in the context of hospitals, hospice, schools, the military, etc. There are heavily emotionally charged circumstances in each of these settings, and chaplains serve as spiritual support for individuals in the thick of these circumstances. Again, while spiritual direction also could be helpful in and around these settings, spiritual direction tends to be less specialized in its scope. Spiritual direction lends itself to difficult times, neutral times, and euphoric times. It can serve as a temporary space of discernment for specific issues or life decisions, and it can be a normal part of one’s routine for general spiritual growth.

Again with plenty of exceptions, interactions with chaplains can be relatively brief (especially in a hospital setting), and relationships with spiritual directors tend to be more ongoing. There is nuance between the training and skill sets required for chaplaincy and spiritual direction, especially when chaplains need to prepare for specific contexts. But insofar as both fields invite interfaith and exploratory approaches to spirituality without direct instruction or dogma, they feel like different sides of the same coin to me. What do you think?

[leannareneehieber]

Hello darlings, it would mean a lot to me if you would read this essay. it is my whole heart and soul, just... opened up for you to see. If you like what I do, then I'd love for you to read about WHY I do what I do.

"I’ve been able to speak publicly about these things only as an adult who has lost the fear of not being believed."

On “Paranormal Chaplaincy,” by Leanna Renee Hieber - The Deadlands

While you're there, please purchase a copy of this digital magazine, The Deadlands creates such an incredible conversation around death and mourning, via poetry, fiction, non-fiction and art. It's worth joining their Patreon at any level, anything helps keep great magazines like this alive.

Blessings and happy haunting...

[skylark913]

A Winter Solstice Reflection: Passing the Light

I wrote this brief reflection/working for the Winter Solstice Rite I’m running at ORW this year. I really like the imagery of passing the light. It gives us time to honor the holy dark, but also look to finding hope. If you’d like to do this working, you’ll need a candle (or electric candle) for each person present, and the overhead lights turned off.  Continue reading Untitled

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Interview with Gabrielle Gelderman about Climate Grief Chaplaincy

In this episode of Solarpunk Presents, Ariel Kroon sits down for a virtual chat with Gabrielle Gelderman, an Edmonton, Alberta-based climate grief chaplain and climate justice organizer. They talk about what climate grief chaplaincy even is, the necessity of holding communal safe spaces for grieving especially for organizers, the necessity of feeling grief in order to feel more positive emotions, and climate despair as a corollary of solarpunk hope.

Links:

Instagram

LinkTree

[mediafount]

Carry On: Parade lessons

“Morn, Sir! The parade is ready for your inspection, Sir!” And the 4-Star General responded, “Carry on!” The Adjutant Commander, Diipo Abidoye, had marched forward to seek the General’s permission on the parade ground. And, of course, he received a yes for an answer. It was the first Passing out Parade and Decoration Ceremony of the Alfa Cadets, International Institute of Pastoral Education…

[alwaysoutofink]

One of my residents moved out with no warning. I didn't raise until I was making my bulletin delivery list for the day. I don't know if he wanted to leave or if he was made to leave but the not knowing is Killing me.

He had a rude streak, yes, but he's a fiercely independent person who's been slowly losing that independence.

I'm sad I didn't get a goodbye. I'm used to that in a way? When one of our residents passes? But this feels different.

I dunno. I'm just sad about it and wanted a void to scream at. Thanks :)

[constancevigilant]

[only-fragments]

#2747

Another assignment for my Ceremonies, Rituals, and Rites of Passage seminary class. We had to create a coming-of-age ceremony either for ourselves or a youth in our life. I struggled a bit with this assignment – I’m not really into age- or gender-related rituals – but I think I came up with something decent. — As someone who came to paganism in my mid-twenties but can look back and see the…

[hamdun888]

Hospitals charging patients for prayers?

Physicians required to generate X number of RVUs per day and meet productivity requirementshttps://lnkd.in/eZihYzzHospital nurses soon to be able to bill for services?*https://lnkd.in/eaZakUM7Case managers required to bill X number of codes per day.AND COMING SOON …Hospital Chaplains billing too?https://lnkd.in/ge9i7zQmNow imagine the new discussions between hospital finance team members and/or…

[hotzimbabwejobs]

MSU Seeks Senior Ecumenical Chaplain (Gweru Campus)

Midlands State University is searching for a dedicated and experienced leader to fill the role of Senior Ecumenical Chaplain on their Gweru Campus. Are you passionate about spiritual well-being and fostering a diverse campus community? Here’s what you’ll bring: Master’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Education, Counselling, or Psychology Pastoral training from a recognized…

[georgewiman]

My friend just died, and I need to vent a little.

He didn't have to die; his death came courtesy of a herbicide company and an incompetent for-profit medical system.

He was a Mennonite hospital chaplain, director of the chaplaincy program at one time. And a farmer and a minister and an expert on ADHD.

He never once judged me for being an atheist. Long before his church arrived at that station, he was a stalwart defender of GLBTQ+ rights and humanity. He tried to build a wholistic approach to patient care.

He fought cancer for years. At the time of his passing he had a tumor growing between his aorta and his esophagus. He was part of a class-action suit against the herbicide company, and when all is said and done his estate will get something like eight thousand dollars. That's what is left after the lawyers get done with the 'larger' figure. (It isn't large.)

The hospital system in which he once worked had devolved into a round robin of doctors avoiding responsibility to see the tumor, that was visible on his scan six months before anyone flagged it. The following round of finger-pointing meant no biopsy was ever taken. He slowly choked to death, then his liver shut down and his heart gave out.

All the older staff at the hospital knew him, and visited him. They knew what he tried to do, and how the hospital swept it aside when he retired.

For-profit systems kill people; good people. Procedures are aimed at covering the institution's ass. If at any first-third point in the process if they could communicate like normal people, they would have been able to address the tumor before it got so large. They could have helped him, and at a fraction of what the cost will eventually be.

We used to get together regularly for coffee and to solve the world's problems. I don't have many friends and I'm really going to miss him. A lot of people will.

[skylark913]

Perseverance is Making Sure You’re a Success Story, Not a Statistic

As I continue working as a prison chaplain, I’ve found not only is it a deeply fulfilling part of my vocation, it is also allowing me to re-examine my own spirituality and add depth and subtlety to my understandings of the cosmos.  I teach weekly using Rev. Dangler’s Dedicant Path Through the Wheel of the Year as a base, and recently we were discussing the virtue of perseverance.  Beyond…

[afaithfulsower]

Can we sing a song?

Christian music is such a special gift and a powerful tool in ministry. It's amazing how God can touch a person's heart through singing. (Click/Tap the link to read more)

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” ~ John 14:6/NIV God has blessed me with an exciting ministry opportunity in the role of a chaplain! I attended formal training and am now a licensed chaplain, which is an interesting ministry. Chaplains perform vital ministry and support services for humanity in a vast array of settings. We…

[ducksbellorum]

Pro Aris (listen/download)

a CHBOLC mix - part one - arranged by ducksbellorum

l.i.f.e.g.o.e.s.o.n. - noah and the whale

What you don't have now

will come back again

You've got heart and

you go in your own way

walk it talk it - migos

Heard you signed your life

for that brand new chain

Think it came with stripes but

you ain't straight with the gang

nothing suits me like a suit - neil patrick harris

To score a 10 would be just fine

But I'd rather be dressed to the nines!

It's a truth you can't refute

Nothing suits me like a suit

both - gucci mane ft. drake

I don't usually do this

'less I'm drunk or I'm high

But I'm both right now

and I need ya in my life

i’m a believer - smash mouth

Then I saw her face,

now I'm a believer

Not a trace of doubt in my mind

I'm in love

feel it still - portugal the man

Am I coming out of left field?

Ooh, I'm a rebel just for kicks now

I been feeling it since 1966 now

Might be over now, but I feel it still

walking on sunshine - katrina and the waves

I feel alive, I feel the love,

I feel the love that's really real

I'm on sunshine, baby,

Oh, yeah, I'm on sunshine

big god - florence and the machine

You need a big god

Big enough to hold your love

You need a big god

Big enough to fill you up

mama do the hump - rizzle kicks

Yo, it's been a long week

How I've got this much

energy is beyond me

I just want all of these girls

grenade - bruno mars

I'd catch a grenade for ya

Throw my hand on a blade for ya

I'd jump in front of a train for ya

You know I'd do anything for ya

thunder/young dumb and broke medley - imagine dragons and khalid

You always say I'm wrong,

I'm pretty sure I'm right

They say you're basic,

they say you're easy

tomorrow - annie

The sun will come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on

'Til tomorrow

party like a rockstar - shop boyz

Party like a rockstar,

totally dude

I'm on a money makin' mission

but I party like a rockstar

the bus is late - satellite high

Waiting for the bus

Where is the bus?

The bus is late

Waiting for the bus in the rain

proud to be an american - lee greenwood

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free

And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land! God bless the U.S.A.

lord i need you - matt maher

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

party up - dmx

Y'all gon' make me act a fool

Up in here, up in here

Y'all gon' make me lose my cool

Up in here, up in here

holy is the lord - chris tomlin

It's rising up all around

It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

And together we sing

Everyone sing

stir fry - migos

Dance with my dogs

in the nighttime

In the kitchen,

wrist twistin' like it's stir fry

livin on a prayer - bon jovi

We've gotta hold on

to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference

if we make it or not

don’t stop believing - journey

Livin' just to find emotion

Hidin' somewhere in the night

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

(i’ve had) the time of my life - dirty dancing

I've had the time of my life

No, I never felt this way before

Yes, I swear it's the truth

And I owe it all to you

these streets - bastille

We'll walk upon these streets

and think of little else

So I won't show my

face here anymore

i’m in the lord’s army - cedarmont kids

I may never fly o'er the enemy,

But I'm in the Lord's army!

Yes Sir!

I'm in the Lord's army!

soldiers of god - bing crosby

Soldiers of God, we serve Him faithfully,

And march in His name

Through thunder and flame

Wherever the call may be.

[charliethechaplain]

I am learning to be quieter.